UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
AT   LOS  ANGELES 


.,. 


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I  *» 


JOURNALS  OF  GENERAL  CONVE 


OF  THE 


PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH, 

IN  THE  UNITED  STATES,  1785-1835. 

PUBLISHED    BY    AUTHORITY    OF    GENERAL    CONVENTION. 
EDITED  BY 

WILLIAM    STEVENS    PERRY,   D.   D. 


VOL.  I. 
1785  —  1821. 


CLAREMONT,  N.  H. 
THE  CLAREMONT    MANUFACTURING    COMPANY. 

1874. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress  in  the  year  1874,  by 

WILLIAM  STEVENS  PERRY, 
As  Secretary  of  the  House  of  Deputies  of  the  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant 

Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States, 
In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


THE  CUAREMONT  MANUF'C  CO., 

CLAREMONT,    N.    H., 
CTEREOTYPBRS,  PRINTERS   AND   BINDERS. 


(2) 


MS 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS. 


^       PREFACE.        ......        3 

JOURNALS : 

N                  CONVENTION  OF  1785.       ...  13 

CONVENTION  OF  1786.             .            .  .31 

ADJOURNED  CONVENTION  OF  1786.         .  49 

CONVENTION  OF  1789.           .            .  .63 

i\                 ADJOURNED  CONVENTION  OF  1789.         .  91 

"*                 CONVENTION  OF  1792.           .            .  .      145 

^                 CONVENTION  OF  1795.      .            .            .  185 

SPECIAL  CONVENTION  OF  1799.         .  .      216 

CONVENTION  OF  1801.                  .            .  257 
w 

CONVENTION  OF  1804.           .            .  .289 

CONVENTION  OF  1808.     ...  333 

CONVENTION  -OF  1811.           .            .  .      367 

CONVENTION  OF  1814.     .            .            .  399 

CONVENTION  OF  1817.           .            .  .      449 

CONVENTION  OF  1820.     .            .            .  509 

SPECIAL  CONVENTION  OF  1821.        .  .      605 

(3) 


JOINT   COMMITTEE 
ON  THE  RE-PUBLICATION  OF  THE 

Early  Journals  of  General  Conventions, 

THE  BISHOPS  of  New  York,  Connecticut,  New  Jersey  and 
Central  Pennsylvania.  THE  REV.  WILLIAM  COOPER  MEAD, 
D.D.,  LL.D.,  THE  REV.  WILLIAM:  STEVENS  PERRY,  D.D., 
MR.  SAMUEL  B.  RUGGLES,  LL.D.,  MR.  HENRY  P.  BALDWIN, 
LL.D.,  MR.  ENOCH  R.  MUDGE. 


(4) 


PREFACE. 


The  history  of  the  various  attempts  to  secure  the  re-publica 
tion  of  the  early  Journals  of  the  General  Conventions  can  best 
be  learned  from  a  report  made  to  the  Convention  of  1859  by  a 
Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  practicability  of  reprint 
ing  the  Journals  from  1785  to  1853. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  House  to  consider  the  expediency  and 
to  inquire  into  the  probable  cost  of  reprinting  the  Journals  of  the  Gen 
eral  Convention  from  A.D.  1785,  to  A.D.  1853,  inclusive,  with  an  Index  to 
the  same,  respectfully  report : 

The  first  thirty  years  of  our  legislation  as  an  independent  Church,  had 
not  passed,  when,  owing, — to  quote  the  language  of  Bishop  White, — to 
the  "increasing  difficulty  of  possessing  sets"  of  these  documentary  an 
nals  of  our  Church  history,  the  reprinting  of  the  Journals  of  the  General 
Convention  from  A.D.  1785,  to  A.D.  1814,  inclusive,  was  imperatively  re 
quired. 

A  few  years  later,  and  so  rapidly  had  these  documents  disappeared, 
but  one  entire  collection  of  the  originals  from  which  this  reprint  was 
made  could  be  found,  even  by  the  venerable  Presiding  Bishop  of  the 
Church.  At  the  present  time,  not  only  are  the  earlier  editions  wholly 
out  of  print,  but  the  volume  published  by  Bioren  in  Philadelphia,  in  ac 
cordance  with  the  resolution  of  the  Convention  of  1814,  and  also  many 
Journals  of  subsequent  years,  are  rarely  met  with,  even  by  the  most  inde 
fatigable  collector.  So  rare  are  these  important  documents,  that  it  is  be 
lieved  by  your  Committee,  after  no  little  inquiry,  that  there  are  less  than 
ten  entire  sets  of  the  Journals  of  the  General  Convention  in  the  posses 
sion  of  Dioceses  or  individuals  in  the  land. 

Efforts  for  the  republication  of  these  Journals,  subsequent  to  the  ap- 


6  REPORT   OF   COMMITTEE. 

pearance  of  Bioren's  edition  in  1817,  date  back  as  far  as  the  Convention 
of  1835.  At  this  time,  and  apparently  in  consequence  of  the  inability  of 
the  Secretary  to  procure,  as  directed,  "  ten  sets  of  the  Journals  of  the 
General  Convention,  from  the  organization  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States,"  (see  p.  25,  Journal  of  1835,)  for  preserva 
tion  among  the  archives  of  the  Convention,  the  following  resolution  was 
passed  by  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies : 

"RESOLVED,  The  House  of  Bishops  concurring,  that  a  Joint  Committee 
be  appointed  to  procure,  by  some  publishing  house,  the  printing  at  its  ex 
pense  and  for  its  profit,  of  all  the  Journals  of  the  General  Convention 
since  1785,  together  with  all  the  Pastoral  Letters  which  have  been  set 
forth  by  the  House  of  Bishops." — See  p.  77,  Journal  of  1835. 

In  this  resolution  the  House  of  Bishops  concurred,  and  appointed  on 
their  behalf  the  Right  Rev.  Benjamin  T.  Onderdonk,  D.D.,  Bishop  of 
New  York ;  but  owing  doubtless  to  the  pressure  of  business  attending  the 
close  of  an  important  and  exciting  Session,  the  names  of  the  members  of 
the  Committee  from  the  lower  House  were  not  designated  by  the  Conven 
tion,  and  consequently  no  action  ensued. 

At  the  following  Session  in  1838,  the  same  resolution  was  passed  by 
both  Houses,  with  this  additional  clause: 

"  '  *  And  that  the  said  Committee  be,  and  hereby  are,  authorized 
to  append  to  such  edition  of  the  Journals  a  suitable  Index." — See  p.  48, 
Journal  of  1838. 

This  Committee,  consisting  of  Bishop  B.  T.  Onderdonk,  and  the  Rev. 
Drs.  Anthon  and  Hawks,  submitted  to  the  Convention  of  1841,  the  fol 
lowing  Report: 

"  The  Joint  Committee  appointed  by  the  last  Convention  to  procure 
the  printing  of  all  the  Journals  of  the  General  Convention,  respectfully 
report: 

"  That  they  have  not  accomplished  the  object  of  their  appointment,  but 
have  reason  to  believe  that  there  may  be  action  on  the  subject  by  this 
Convention,  which  will  greatly  facilitate  the  measure.  The  Committee 
therefore  respectfully  submit  for  adoption  by  the  Convention  the  following 
resolutions: 

"RESOLVED,  That  a  Joint  Committee,  consisting  of  one  Bishop,  chosen 

by  the  House  of  Bishops,  and Members  of  the  House  of  Clerical 

and  Lay  Deputies  chosen  by  the  said  House,  be  appointed  to  procure  the 


REPORT   OF   COMMITTEE.  7 

publication  by  some  publishing  house  on  its  own  account,  of  a  complete 
edition  of  all  the  Journals  of  the  General  Convention,  together  with  the 
Canons  and  other  documents  which  have  been  published  with  these  Jour 
nals,  and  a  complete  set  of  the  Canons,  including  the  Constitution  of  thia 
Church,  as  the  same  shall  be  at  the  adjournment  of  this  Convention,  with 
a  copious  Index  or  Indexes  to  the  whole. 

"  RESOLVED,  That  the  same  Committee  be  authorized  and  appointed  to 
superintend  the  printing  of  the  Journals,  etc.,  and  to  form  the  Index  or 
Indexes  and  to  adopt  efficient  means  for  securing  the  entire  accuracy  of 
the  edition. 

"  RESOLVED,  That  the  edition  of  the  Journals,  etc.,  thus  published,  be 
certified  by  the  Committee  as  an  edition  published  under  the  authority  of 
the  General  Convention. 

"  RESOLVED,  That  as  soon  as  arrangements  conformably  to  the  above 
resolutions  are  made  with  a  printer,  the  Committee  do  cause  proposals  for 
the  edition  to  be  extensively  circulated ;  and,  that  they  be  authorized  and 
requested  to  adopt,  in  the  name  of  this  Convention,  suitable  measures  to 
secure  for  the  undertaking  the  general  patronage  of  the  Church. — Jour- 
aal  of  1841,  pp.  110,  111. 

"  Respectfully  submitted, 

BENJ.  T.  ONDERDONK, 
HENRY  ANTHON, 

COMMITTEE." 

These  resolutions,  covering  the  whole  ground  of  action  proposed  by 
your  present  Committee,  were  on  motion  of  Bishop  Kemper,  seconded  by 
Bishop  Meade,  adopted  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  and  concurred  in  by  the 
lower  House;  and  the  whole  matter  committed  to  the  Bishop  of  New 
York,  with  the  Rev.  Drs.  Anthon  and  Mead,  t  and  T.  L.  Ogden,  Esq. — 
Journal  of  1841,  page  113. 

At  the  session  of  the  Convention  in  1844,  Bishop  B.  T.  Onderdonk,  in 
behalf  of  the  Committee,  reported  that  the  Committee  had  not  been  able 
to  accomplish  the  object  of  their  appointment,  and  asked  to  be  discharged. 
In  this  request  both  Houses  concurred. — Journal  of  1844,  page  28. 

In  1853,  the  House  of  Bishops  proposed  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  "  that  the  Secretaries  of  the  two  Houses  be  requested  to 
prepare  an  Index  to  the  whole  series  of  Journals  of  the  General  Con 
vention  from  the  beginning,"  adding  the  suggestion,  that  this  "  Index, 
when  approved  by  the  Presiding  Bishop,"  should  "  be  printed  in  the  same 
form  as  the  Journal." — Journal  of  1853,  pp.  115,  116. 

The  House  concurred  in  this  resolution,  with  the  provision  that  the 
funds  in  the  Treasury  of  the  Convention  be  sufficient  to  meet  the  cost. — 
Journal  of  1853,  page  143. 


8  REPORT  OF   COMMITTEE. 

At  the  last  meeting  of  the  Convention,  the  subject  was  again  agitated, 
and  the  Secretary  was  "  appointed  a  Committee  to  confer  with  publishers 
about  issuing  a  stereotype  edition  of  all  the  Journals  of  this  Convention, 
at  the  expense  and  for  the  profit  of  said  publishers." — Journal  of  1856, 
page  129. 

This  has  been  found  impracticable. 

In  view,  then,  of  this  almost  continuous  legislation  of  the  Convention 
on  this  subject,  expressive  of  the  deep  sense  of  need  felt  throughout  the 
Church  in  the  matter,  your  Committee  are  convinced  that  the  work  is  one 
that  should  be  done,  and  done  at  once.  Each  unsuccessful  attempt — each 
three  years  delay — but  adds  to  the  difficulty  of  ever  securing  the  result 
desired.  The  Committee  have  therefore,  in  the  limited  time  at  their  dis 
posal,  made  such  inquiries  as  were  in  their  power,  as  to  the  probable  cost 
of  this  republication,  and  have  also  discussed  the  best  manner  of  effecting 
the  same ;  and  while  they  are  convinced,  both  from  the  magnitude  of  the 
work,  and  the  want  of  success  of  previous  Committees,  that  this  reprint 
would  not  be  undertaken  by  any  responsible  publisher  solely  at  his  own 
risk,  they  feel  certain  that  the  end  desired  may  be  attained  by  means  of 
subscriptions  from  the  many  individuals,  libraries,  and  legislative  bodies 
of  our  Church,  to  whom  such  documents  would  be  peculiarly  valuable  and 
interesting. 

In  view  of  these  statements,  and  feeling  confident  that  a  suitable  pub 
lisher  can  be  found  to  undertake  the  work  upon  reasonable  encourage 
ment  by  pledges  or  subscriptions  from  members  of  the  Church,  the  Com- 
raittee  would  respectfully  offer  the  following  preamble  and  resolutions : 

"  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Church  to  make  generally  accessible  the 
annals  of  its  legislation,  both  for  the  guidance  of  its  law-makers,' and  for 
the  information  of  students  of  its  history: — 

"And  WHEREAS,  The  Documentary  History  of  the  General  Convention 
is  now  wholly  out  of  print,  and  rarely  to  be  met  with, 

"RESOLVED,  That  a  Committee  of  six  be  appointed  from  this  House  to 
secure,  either  by  subscription  or  otherwise,  the  republication  of  the  Jour 
nals  of  the  General  Convention  from  A.D.  1785,  to  A.D.  1853,  inclusive, 
provided  that  no  pecuniary  obligation  be  assumed  by  this  Convention. 

"RESOLVED,  Further,  that  the  said  Committee  be  authorized  and  em 
powered  to  add  to  this  republication  suitable  Historical  Notes  and  a  co 
pious  Analytical  Index,  and  that  they  have  full  power  with  reference  to 
the  same. 

"  Respectfully  submitted.  EDWARD  Y.  HIGBEU. 

J.  M.  WILLET. 
WM.  STEVENS  PERRY. 
SAMUEL  B.  RUGGLES. 
SIMEON  IDE. 
M.  A.  DE  WOLFE  Howt. 


REPORT   OF   COMMITTEE.  9 

These  resolutions  were  adopted  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hawks,  then  filling  the 
office  of  Historiographer  of  the  American  Church,  was  added  to  the 
Committee,  which  was  continued  and  charged  with  the  duty  of  securing 
the  end  desired.  Efforts  to  secure  the  early  issue  of  the  reprint  followed ; 
and  in  the  year  1861  the  first  volume  of  the  proposed  series  appeared, 
edited  by  Dr.  Hawks  and  the  editor  of  the  present  edition.  The  attention 
of  the  public  was  diverted  from  this  enterprise  by  the  breaking  out  of  the 
Civil  War  almost  immediately  after  the  issue  of  the  first  volume.  The 
failure  of  the  publisher,  the  apathy  of  subscribers  and  the  general  engross 
ment  in  other  matters,  caused  the  abandonment  of  the  project,  and  fears 
were  felt  that  for  many  years,  at  least,  the  work  could  not  be  accomplished. 

A  report  of  the  Joint  Committee  to  the  Convention  of  1862,  detailing 
the  hindrances  to  success  which  had  arisen,  will  be  found  on  pp.  266-270 
of  the  Journal  of  that  year.  In  1865,  (vide  Journal  pp.  112,  203,  206,) 
a  further  report  appeared,  and  the  work  of  the  Committee  was  again  com 
mended  to  the  attention  and  support  of  the  Church.  In  1865,  (vide  Jour 
nal,  pp.  113,  114,  244,)  the  Secretary  of  the  Joint  Committee  reported  that 
the  volume  which  had  been  issued,  in  1861,  had  become  out  of  print,  and 
the  Convention,  seeking  the  continuance  of  the  series,  committed  the  con 
duct  and  progress  of  the  work  to  the  surviving  Editor,  in  whose  hands  the 
plates  of  the  first  volume  were  placed  by  vote  of  both  Houses. 

In  1871,  (vide  Journal  pp.  194,  195,  354,  355,)  the  Committee  reported : 

"That  an  effort  is  now  on  foot  which,  if  it  meets  with  the  support  it 
deserves,  will  secure  the  accomplishment  of  the  end  desired  in  the  appoint 
ment  of  the  Committee.  They  therefore  commend  to  the  attention  and 
patronage  of  the  members  of  the  Church  the  proposed  republication  of  the 
Journals  of  the  first  half- century  of  our  ecclesiastical  legislation,  which, 
with  the  volume  of  documents  and  unpublished  MSS.  from  the  archives 
of  the  Church,  which  is  to  be  issued  in  connection  with  this  reprint,  will 
place  within  the  reach  of  every  inquirer  the  facts  of  our  history,  and  the 
opinions  of  those  whose  exertions  secured,  under  God,  our  independence, 
and  our  present  organization." 

The  work  now  accomplished  after  the  failure  of  efforts  reaching  back 
for  nearly  forty  years,  needs  but  little  explanation  or  comment.  The 
original  editions  of  our  Journals,  as  collected  and  corrected  by  the  vener 
able  Bishop  White,  have  been  constantly  consulted  and  compared  with 
the  edition  issued  by  John  Bioren  in  1817  under  the  editorship  of  the 
same  revered  prelate.  The  text  thus  collated  is  confidently  offered  as 
authoritative,  and,  it  is  believed,  few  errors  of  the  press  have  escaped  the 
painstaking  care  which  has  been  bestowed  by  the  proof  reader  and  the 
editor  in  securing  this  end. 

Besides  a  complete  index  of  the  three  volumes,  the  third  volume  will 
contain  a  collection  of  important  documents  illustrating  the  formative 


10  REPORT   OF   COMMITTEE. 

period  of  our  independent  Church  history.  These  papers,  selected  from  a 
mass  of  MS.  documents  in  the  archives  of  the  General  Convention  were, 
in  part,  gathered  together  and  arranged  by  the  late  Francis  Lister  Hawks, 
D.D.  LL.D.,  clarum  et  venerabile  nomen,  and  their  selection  was  mainly 
made  by  the  present  editor  under  the  advice,  and  with  the  approval  of 
his  late  instructor  and  friend.  It  is  with  grateful  memory  of  hours  of 
mutual  investigation  and  study  of  this  portion  of  our  Church  Annals, 
that  the  editor  records,  in  connection  with  the  issue  of  thia  reprint,  his 
obligations  to  one  whose  name  the  American  Church  may  not  wisely  suf 
fer  to  pass  from  remembrance.  To  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hawks  the  American 
Church  will  ever  owe  the  means  for  the  elucidation  of  her  colonial  and 
her  constitutional  history  up  to  the  period  of  his  too  early  death.  And 
now  that  he  has  passed  away  from  earth,  it  is  to  his  sacred  memory  that 
these  volumes,  undertaken  with  his  encouragement  and  advice,  and  attest 
ing  on  every  page  his  interest  and  care,  are  most  affectionately  and  rever 
ently  inscribed. 
Saint  John  Baptist's  Day,  1874. 

TBIHITY  EECTOET,  Geneva,  N.  Y. 


EXPLANATORY  PREFACE  TO  THE  EDITION 

OF  1817. 

• 

IN  the  ensuing  volume  there  are  contained  all  the  Journals 
of  the  General  Conventions  of  "  The  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,"  from  the  begin 
ning  of  its  organization  to  the  present  time — including  a 
space  of  thirty  years. 

The  increasing  difficulty  of  possessing  sets  of  these  docu 
ments,  induced  the  House  of  Bishops,  at  the  General  Con 
vention  held  in  the  month  of  April,  1814,  with  the  approba 
tion  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  to  author 
ise  the  present  publication  by  the  Subscriber,  as  may  be  seen 
on  their  Journal  of  Thursday,  May  19,  1814.  Reference  to 
former  transactions  being  occasionally  necessary,  not  only  to 
account  for  existing  regulations,  but  for  the  explaining  of 
them,  it  must  be  perceived  that  there  was  great  occasion  for 
the  measure  adopted.  It  may  be  considered  as  expedient,  were 
no  other  object  in  view  than  the  preparing  of  materials  which 
may  in  future  interest  the  curiosity  of  the  members  of  this 
Church. 

As  the  first  of  the  Journals  refers  to  certain  proposals,  is 
sued  by  sundry  clergymen  and  laymen, 'assembled  in  the  city 
of  New  York,  in  the  month  of  October  of  the  preceding 
year ;  and  as  the  Journal  states  those  proposals  to  have  been 
acted  on,  without  a  repetition  of  their  contents,  the  Subscriber 
finds  himself  called  on  to  give  the  following  narrative. 

In  pursuance  of  preceding  correspondence,  there  assem 
bled  some  of  the  Clergy  of  New  York,  of  New  Jersey,  and 
of  Pennsylvania,  in  the  city  of  New  Brunswick,  New  Jer 
sey,  in  May,  1784;  and  there  being  a  few  respectable  lay 
members  of  the  Church  attending  on  public  business  in  the 
same  city,  their  presence  was  desired.  The  immediate  object 
of  the  meeting,  was  the  revival  of  a  charitable  corporation 
which  had  existed  before  the  Revolution,  clothed  with  cor 
porate  powers,  under  the  government  of  each  of  the  said 
three  provinces.  The  opportunity  was  improved  by  the 


12  EXPLANATORY   PREFACE. 

Clergy  from  Pennsylvania,  of  communicating  certain  mea 
sures  recently  adopted  in  that  State,  tending  to  the  organ 
izing  of  the  Church  throughout  the  Union.  The  result  was, 
the  inviting  of  a  more  general  meeting  in  the  ensuing  Octo 
ber,  at  the  city  of  New  York ;  that  being  the  time  and  place 
wherein,  according  to  the  charter  of  the  above-mentioned 
corporation,  their  next  meeting  should  be  held.  It  was  ac 
cordingly  held  for  the  revival  of  the  corporation.  And  there 
appeared  Deputies,  not  only  from  the  said  three  States,  but 
also  from  others,  with  the  view  of  consulting  on  the  existing 
exigency  of  the  Church.  The  greater  number  of  these  De 
puties  were  not  vested  with  powers  for  the  binding  of  their 
constituents ;  and  therefore,  although  they  called  themselves 
a  Convention,  in  the  lax  sense  in  which  the  word  had  before 
been  used,  yet  they  were  not  an  organized  body.  They  did 
not  consider  themselves  as  such;  and  their  only  act  was,  the 
issuing  of  a  recommendation  to  the  churches  in  the  several 
States,  to  unite  under  a  few  articles  to  be  considered  as  fun 
damental.  These  are  the  articles  referred  to,  but  not  printed 
in  the  first  Journal ;  and  therefore  are  now  inserted  in  a 
note  to  this  preface. 

WM.  WHITE, 

BISHOP  OP  THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH 
IN  THE  COMMONWEALTH  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 


THE  ARTICLES  REFERRED  TO  ARE  AS  FOLLOW. 

I.  That  there  shall  be  a  General  Convention  of  the  Epis 
copal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America. 

II.  That  the  Episcopal  Church  in  each  State  send  Depu 
ties  to  the  Convention,  consisting  of  Clergy  and  Laity. 

III.  That  associated  congregations  in  two  or  more  States 
may  send  Deputies  jointly. 

IV.  That  the  said  Church  shall  maintain  the  doctrines  of 
the  Gospel  as  now  held  by  the  Church  of  England ;  and  shall 
adhere  to  the  Liturgy  of  the  said  Church,  as  far  as  shall  be 
consistent  with  the  American  Revolution  and  the  Constitu 
tions  of  the  respective  States. 

V.  That  in  every  State  where  there  shall  be  a  Bishop  duly 
consecrated  and  settled,  he  shall  be  considered  as  a  member 
of  the  Convention  ex  officio. 


EXPLANATORY    PREFACE.  13 

VI.  That  the  Clergy  and  Laity  assembled  in  Convention 
shall  deliberate  in  one  body,  but  shall  vote  separately.    And 
the  concurrence  of  both  shall  be  necessary  to  give  validity  to 
every  measure. 

VII.  That  the  first  meeting  of  the  Convention  shall  be 
at  Philadelphia,  the  Tuesday  before  the  Feast  of  St.  Michael 
next;   to  which  it  is  hoped  and  earnestly  desired  that  the 
Episcopal  churches  in  the  respective  States,  will  send  their 
clerical  and  lay  deputies,  duly  instructed  and  authorized  to 
proceed  on  the  necessary  business  herein  proposed  for  their 
deliberation. 


JOURNAL  OP  A  CONVENTION 


]Profpsfanf   ^pisropl  (J^urrlj, 


New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland, 
Virginia,  and  South  Carolina, 


EELD   IN 


CHRIST   CHURCH,   PHILADELPHIA, 


SEPTEMBER  27  TO  OCTOBER  7,  1735. 


(14) 


LIST  OF  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  CONVENTION. 


FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  YORK. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Provost,  A.M.,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York. 
^The  Hon.  James  Duane,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  JERSEY. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Beach,  A.M.,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  New  Bruns 
wick. 

The  Rev.  Uzall  Ogden,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Sussex. 
Patrick  Dennis,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  Rev.  William  White,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's, 
Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Magaw,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  A.M,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ  Church  and 
St.  Peters,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Hutchins,  A.M.,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  Lan 
caster. 

The  Rev.  John  Campbell,  A.M.,  Rector  of  York  and  Huntingdon. 

Richard  Peters,  Esq. 

Jasper  Yates,  Esq. 

Stephen  Chambers,  Esq. 

Samuel  Powell,  Esq. 

Thomas  Hartley,  Esq. 

Edward  Shippen,  Esq. 

John  Clark,  Esq. 

William  Atlee,  Esq. 

Mr.  Andrew  Doz. 

Mr.  Edward  Duffield. 

Mr.  Joseph  Swift. 

Mr.  Nicholas  Jones. 

Mr.  John  Wood. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  DELAWARE. 

The  Rev.  Charles  H.  Wharton,  Rector  of  Emanuel  Church,  New  Castle. 
The  Hon.  Thomas  Duff,  Esq. 

(15) 


16  LIST   OF  THE   MEMBERS.  [1785. 

James  Sykes,  Esq. 
Mr.  John  Reece. 
Mr.  Joseph  Tatlow. 
Mr.  Alexander  Reynolds. 
Mr.  Robert  Clay. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  MARYLAND. 

The  Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D.,  Principal  of  Washington   College,  and 

Rector  of  Chester  Parish. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Keene,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Dorchester  Parish. 
The  Rev.  William  West,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's,  Baltimore  Town. 
The  Rev.  John  Andrews,  D.D.,  late  Rector  of  St.  Thomas's,  Baltimore, 

and  now  Principal  of  the  Academy  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 

Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  James  Jones  Wilmer,  Rector  of  St.  George's,  Harford  County. 
Dr.  Thomas  Cradock. 
Mr.  Joseph  Couden. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  VIRGINIA. 

The  Rev.  David  Griffith,  Rector  of  Fairfax  Parish. 
John  Page,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

The  Rev.  Henry  Purcell,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Michael's,  Charleston 
The  Hon.  Jacob  Read,  Esq. 
The  Hon.  Charles  Pinckney,  Esq. 


JOURNAL. 


TUESDAY,  27th  of  September,  1785. 
and  Lay  Deputies   from  several  of   the 
^    States  assembled;  and  judging  it  proper  to  wait  the 
<»j      arrival  of  the  Deputies  from  the  other  States, 
Adjourned  until  to-morrow  at  10  o'clock. 


WEDNESDAY,  28th  of  September,  1785. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment;  and  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Keene,  by  desire,  read  prayers. 

The  Rev.  David  Griffith  was  unanimously  chosen  Secre 
tary. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  a  President  be  now  chosen 
by  ballot,  and  that  each  State  have  on6  vote ;  which  being 
done,  and  the  ballots  counted,  it  appeared  that  the  Rev. 
William  White,  D.D.,  was  unanimously  chosen. 

Ordered,  that  the  Deputies  from  the  several  States  produce 
"the  testimonials  of  their  appointment;  which  being  done, 
and  the  testimonials  read, 

Resolved, — That  the  testimonials  produced  from  the  Church 
in  the  several  States,  viz.,  in  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Penn 
sylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland,  Virginia,  and  South  Caro 
lina  are  satisfactory. 

The  Resolutions  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Epis 
copal  Church,  held  in  the  city  of  New  York,  on  the  6th  and 
7th  days  of  October,  1784,  were  read. 

Ordered,  that  the  same  lie  on  the  table. 

Adjourned  to  6  o'clock  this  evening. 

WEDNESDAY  EVENING,  6  o'clock. 
The  Convention  met,  according  to  -adjournment. 
2  (17) 


13       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1785. 

Ordered,  that  the  proceedings  of  a  former  Convention  at 
New  York  be  again  read ;  which  being  done,  and  the  different 
articles  considered, 

Resolved, — That  the  first,  second,  and  third  articles  pro 
posed  as  fundamental  by  the  said  Convention,  are  approved 
of. 

The  fourth  article  being  read,  it  was,  on  motion,  Resolved, 
— That  a  Committee  be  appointed,  consisting  of  one  clerical 
and  one  lay  deputy  from  the  Church  in  each  State,  to  con 
sider  of  and  report  such  alterations  in  the  Liturgy,  as  shall 
render  it  consistent  with  the  American  Revolution  and  the 
Constitutions  of  the  respective  States:  and  such  further  al 
terations  in  the  Liturgy  as  it  may  be  advisable  for  this  Con 
vention  to  recommend  to  the  consideration  of  the  Church 
here  represented. 

Resolved, — That  the  fifth,  sixth,  and  seventh  of  the  afore 
said  articles  proposed  as  fundamental  are  approved  of;  the 
sixth  article  being  first  explained  and  understood,  as  mean 
ing  that  the  Deputies  are  to  vote  according  to  the  States 
from  which  they  come,  and  not  individually. 

Resolved, — That  a  Committee,  to  be  composed  as  afore 
said,  prepare  and  report  a  draft  of  an  Ecclesiastical  Consti 
tution  for  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America. 

A  Committee  was  appointed  accordingly:  viz.,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Provost  and  the  Hon.  Mr.  Duane  for  New  York ;  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Beach  and  Mr.  Dennis  for  New  Jersey ;  the  Rev. 
Dr.  White  and  Mr.  Peters  for  Pennsylvania^  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Wharton  and  Mr.  Sykes  for  Delaware ;  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith 
and  Dr.  Cradock  for  Maryland;  the  Rev.  Mr.  Griffith  and* 
Mr.  Page  for  Virginia ;  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Purcell  and  the 
Hon.  Mr.  Read  for  South  Carolina. 

Resolved, — That  the  preparing  the  necessary  and  pro 
posed  alterations  in  the  Liturgy  be  referred  to  the  same 
Committee. 

The  Convention  adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


'  THURSDAY,  29th  of  September,  1785. 

The  Convention  met,  according  to  adjournment;  and  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Magaw  read  prayers. 


1785.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       19 

Resolved, — That  a  person  be  appointed  to  assist  the  Secre 
tary,  and  to  officiate  in  his  stead  when  he  shall  be  employed 
in  the  business  of  the  Committee;  and  Mr.  Clarke  was  ap 
pointed  accordingly. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  as  Chairman  of  the  Committee  for 
revising  and  altering  the  Liturgy,  etc.,  reported  that  the 
Committee  had  made  some  progress  in  the  business  referred 
to  them,  but  not  having  completed  the  same,  desired  leave  to 
sit  again;  which  being  agreed  to, 

The  Convention  adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


FRIDAY,  30th  of  September,  1785. 

The  Convention  met,  according  to  adjournment;  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Provost  read  prayers. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Committee  for  revising 
and  altering  the  Liturgy,  etc.,  do  also  prepare  and  report  a 
plan  for  obtaining  the  consecration  of  Bishops,  together  with 
an  address  to  the  Most  Reverend  the  Archbishops  and  the 
Right  Reverend  the  Bishops  of  the  Church  of  England  for 
that  purpose. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  from  the  Committee  for  revising,  etc., 
reported  that  they  had  made  further  progress  in  the  business 
referred  to  them,  but  not  having  finished  the  same,  desired 
leave  to  sit  again,  which  was  agreed  to. 

The  Convention  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


SATURDAY,  1st  of  October,  1785. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment;  and  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Smith  read  prayers. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  from  the  Committee  for  revising,  etc., 
reported  that  they  had  prepared  a  draft  of  the  alterations  to  be 
made  in  the  Liturgy ;  and  that  they  had  also  prepared  a  draft 
of  a  general  Ecclesiastical  Constitution,  which  he  was  ready 
to  report. 

Ordered,  that  the  same  be  now  received ;  which  being  done 
and  the  Report  read, 

Ordered,  that  the  said  Report  lie  on  the  table  for  the  pe 
rusal  of  the  members. 


20      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1785. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  from  the  same  Committee,  reported, 
that  they  have  had  under  consideration  the  further  altera 
tions  to  be  proposed  in  the  Liturgy,  and  were  ready  to  report 
in  part. 

Ordered,  that  the  Report  be  now  received  and  read ;  which 
being  done, 

Ordered,  that  the  Report  last  read  lie  on  the  table. 

Ordered,  that  so  much  of  the  revised  Liturgy  as  respects 
the  American  Revolution  and  the  Constitutions  of  the  States, 
be  again  read,  and  considered  by  paragraphs;  which  being 
done, 

Ordered,  that  the  alterations  in  the  Liturgy  to  be  proposed 
to  the  Church  be  again  read,  and  considered  by  paragraphs : 
which  being  done  in  part, 

The  Convention  adjourned  to  6  o'clock  this  evening. 

SATURDAY  EVENING,  6  o'clock. 

The  Convention  met,  according  to  adjournment. 

Ordered,  that  the  Report  from  the  Committee  be  resumed, 
and  the  remainder  of  it  read  and  considered  by  paragraphs ; 
which  being  done, 

The  Convention  adjourned  to  10  o'clock  on  Monday. 


MONDAY,  3d  of  October,  1785. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment;  and  the 
Rev.  Dr.  West  read  prayers. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  from  the  Committee  for  revising,  etc., 
reported  that  they  had  made  further  progress  in  the  business 
referred  to  them,  and  were  ready  to  report. 

Ordered,  that  the  Report  be  now  received,  and  that  the 
same  be  read  and  considered  by  paragraphs;  which  having 
been  done  in  part, 

The  Convention  adjourned  to  6  o'clock  this  evening. 

MONDAY  EVENING,  6  o'clock. 

The  Convention  met,  according  to  adjournment. 

Ordered,  that  the  Report  of  the  Committee  for  revising, 
etc.,  be  resumed,  which  was  accordingly  done ;  and  the  Con 
vention  having  made  further  progress  therein, 

Adjourned  to  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


1785.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       21 

TUESDAY,  4th  of  October,  1785. 

The  Convention  met,  according  to  adjournment;  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Ogden  read  prayers. 

Ordered,  that  clerks  be  employed  to  transcribe,  under  di 
rection  of  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  for  revising,  etc., 
all  the  alterations  proposed,  and  other  matters  agreed  on  by 
the  Convention. 

Ordered,  that  the  draft  of  an  Ecclesiastical  Constitution 
be  read  and  considered  by  paragraphs,  which  was  done ;  and 
the  Convention  having  made  some  progress  therein, 

Adjourned  to  6  o'clock  this  evening. 

TUESDAY  EVENING,  6  o'clock. 

The  Convention  met,  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Ordered,  that  the  consideration  of  the  general  Ecclesias 
tical  Constitution  be  resumed,  and  that  the  same  be  read  and 
considered  by  paragraphs ;  which  being  done,  and  the  blanks 
filled  up,  was  agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

A  GENERAL  ECCLESIASTICAL  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  PRO 
TESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES 
OF  AMERICA. 

Whereas,  in  the  course  of  Divine  Providence,  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  is  become  independent  of  all 
foreign  authority,  civil  and  ecclesiastical :  < 

And  whereas,  at  a  meeting  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  of  the  said 
Church,  in  sundry  of  the  said  States,  viz.,  in  the  States  of  Massachusetts, 
Rhode  Island,  Connecticut,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Dela 
ware,  and  Maryland,  held  in  the  city  of  New  York  on  the  6th  and  7th 
days  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1784,  it  was  recommended  to 
this  Church  in  the  said  States  represented  as  aforesaid,  and  proposed  to  this 
Church  in  the  States  not  represented,  that  they  should  send  Deputies  to  a 
Convention  to  be  held  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  on  the  Tuesday  before 
the  Feast  of  St.  Michael  in  this  present  year,  in  order  to  unite  in  a  Con 
stitution  of  ecclesiastical  government,  agreeably  to  certain  fundamental 
principles,  expressed  in  the  said  recommendation  and  proposal: 

And  whereas,  in  consequence  of  the  said  recommendation  and  proposal, 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  have  been  duly  appointed  from  the  said  Church 
in  the  States  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Mary 
land,  Virginia,  and  South  Carolina: 

The  said  Deputies  being  now  assembled,  and  taking  into  consideration 
the  importance  of  maintaining  uniformity  in  doctrine,  discipline  and  wor 
ship  in  the  said  Church,  do  hereby  determine,  and  declare, 

I.  That  there  shall  be  a  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episco 
pal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  which  shall  be  held  in  the 


22       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1785. 

city  of  Philadelphia  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  June,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
1786,  and  for  ever  after  once  in  three  years,  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  June, 
in  such  place  as  shall  be  determined  by  the  Convention ;  and  special  meet 
ings  may  be  held  at  such  other  times  and  in  such  place  as  shall  be  here 
after  provided  for;  and  this  Church,  in  a  majority  of  the  States  aforesaid, 
shall  be  represented  before  they  proceed  to  business ;  except  that  the  re 
presentation  of  this  Church  from  two  States  shall  be  sufficient  to  adjourn; 
and  in  all  business  of  the  Convention  freedom  of  debate  shall  be  al 
lowed. 

II.  There  shall  be  a  representation  of  both  Clergy  and  Laity  of  the 
Church  in  each  State,  which  shall  consist  of  one  or  more  Deputies,  not  ex 
ceeding  four.of  each  Order;  and  in  all  questions,  the  said  Church  in  each 
State  shall  have  one  vote ;  and  a  majority  of  suffrages  shall  be  conclusive. 

III.  In  the  said  Church  in  every  State  represented  in  this  Convention, 
there  shall  be  a  Convention  consisting  of  the  Clergy  and  Lay  Deputies  of 
the  congregation. 

IV.  "The  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  and  Administration  of  the  Sacra- 
inents.anft  other  Rites  and  Ceremonies  of  the  Church,  according  to  the 
use  of  the  Church  of  England,"  shall  be  continued  to  be  used  by  this 
Church,  as  the  same  is  altered  by  this  Convention,  in  a  certain  instrument 
of  writing  passed  by  their  authority,  entituled,  "Alterations  of  the  Liturgy 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  in 
order  to  render  the  same  conformable  to  the  American  Revolution  and  the 
Constitutions  of  the  respective  States." 

V.  In  every  State  where  there  shall  be  a  Bishop  duly  consecrated  and 
settled,  and  who  shall  have  acceded  to  the  articles  of  this  General  Eccle 
siastical  Constitution,  he  shall  be  considered  as  a  member  of  the  Conven 
tion  ex  officio. 

VI.  The  Bishop  or  Bishops  in  every  State  shall  be  chosen  agreeably  to 
such  rules  as  shall  be  fixed  by  the  respective  Conventions ;   and  every 
Bishop  of  this  Church  shall  confine  the  exercise  of  his  Episcopal  office  to 
his  proper  jurisdiction,  unless  requested  to  ordain  or  confirm  by  any 
church  destitute  of  a  Bishop. 

VII.  A  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  any  of  the  United  States  not 
now  represented,  may  at  any  time  hereafter  be  admitted,  on  acceding  to 
the  articles  of  this  union. 

VIII.  Every  clergyman,  whether  bishop,  or  presbyter,  or  deacon,  shall 
be  amenable  to  the  authority  of  the  Convention  in  the  State  to  which  he 
belongs,  so  far  as  relates  to  suspension  or  removal  from  office;  and  the 
Convention  in  each  State  shall  institute  rules  for  their  conduct,  and  an 
equitable  mode  of  trial. 

IX.  And  whereas  it  is  represented  to  this  Convention  to  be  the  desire 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  these  States,  that  there  may  be 
further  alterations  of  the  Liturgy  than  such  as  are  made  necessary  by  the 
American  Revolution ;  therefore  the  "  Book  of  Common  Prayer  and  Ad 
ministration  of  the  Sacraments  and  other  Rites  and  Ceremonies  of  the 
Church,  according  to  the  use  of  the  Church  of  England,"  as  altered  by  an 
instrument  of  writing  passed  under  the  authority  of  this  Convention,  en 
tituled  "  Alterations  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  and  Administration 
of  the  Sacraments  and  other  Rites  and  Ceremonies  of  the  Church,  accord 
ing  to  the  use  of  the  Church  of  England,  proposed  and  recommended  to 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,"  shall 
be  used  in  this  Church  when  the  same  shall  have  been  ratified  by  the 


1785.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       23 

Conventions  which  have  respectively  sent  Deputies  to  this  General  Con 
vention. 

X.  No  person  shall  be  ordained  or  permitted  to  officiate  as  a  minister 
in  this  Church,  until  he  shall  have  subscribed  the   following  declaration : 
"  I  do  believe  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament  to  be  the 
word  of  God,  and  to  contain  all  things  necessary  to  salvation ;  and  I  do 
solemnly  engage  to  conform  to  the  doctrines  and  worship  of  the  Protest 
ant  Episcopal  Church,  as  settled  and  determined  in  the  Book  of  Common 
Prayer,  and  Administration  of  the   Sacraments,  set  forth  by  the  General 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  these  United  States." 

XI.  This    General   Ecclesiastical  Constitution,   when   ratified    by   the 
Church  in  the  different  States,  shall  be  considered  as  fundamental,  and 
shall  be  unalterable  by  the  Convention  of  the  Church  in  any  State. 

The  Hon.  Mr.  Duane,  from  the  Committee  for  revising, 
etc.,  reported  that  they  had,  according  to  order,  prepared  a 
plan  for  obtaining  the  consecration  of  Bishops,  and  a  draft 
of  an  address  to  the  Most  Reverend  the  Archbishops  and  the 
Bight  Reverend  the  Bishops  of  the  Church  of  England,  and 
were  ready  to  report  the  same. 

Ordered  that  the  plan  and  draft  now  offered  be  received ; 
which  being  done,  and  the  same  twice  read  and  considered 
by  paragraphs,  was  ordered  to  be  transcribed. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


WEDNESDAY,  5th  October,  1785. 

The  Convention  met,  according  to  adjournment;  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Provost  read  prayers. 

Ordered,  that  the  transcribed  copy  of  the  "Alterations 
in  the  Liturgy,  to  render  it  consistent  with  the  American 
Revolution  and  the  Constitutions  of  the  respective  States," 
be  read  and  considered  by  paragraphs ;  which  being  done, 

Resolved, — That  the  Liturgy  shall  be  used  in  this  Church 
as  accommodated  to  the  Revolution,  agreeably  to  the  altera 
tions  now  approved  of  and  ratified  by  this  Convention.* 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Fourth  of  July  shall  be 
observed  by  this  Church  for  ever,  as  a  day  of  thanksgiving 
to  Almighty  God  for  the  inestimable  blessings  of  religious 
and  civil  liberty  vouchsafed  to  the  United  States  of  America. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  first  Tuesday  in  Novem- 

*  Neither  these,  nor  the  other  alterations  afterwards  proposed,  are 
printed  in  the  Journal,  as  they  will  appear  in  the  Book  of  Common 
Prayer,  now  in  the  pre?s.-[Nole  in  original  edition.] 


24       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1785. 

ber  in  every  year  for  ever,  shall  be  observed  by  this  Church 
as  a  day  of  general  thanksgiving  to  Almighty  God  for  the 
fruits  of  the  earth,  and  for  all  the  other  blessings  of  his 
merciful  providence. 

Ordered,  that  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  prepare  a  Form 
of  Prayer  and  Thanksgiving  for  the  Fourth  of  July ;  and  a 
Committee  was  accordingly  appointed,  viz.,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Smith,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton,  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Campbell. 

Ordered,  that  the  alterations  in  the  Liturgy  to  be  proposed 
to  this  Church,  be  read  and  considered  by  paragraphs ;  and 
the  Convention  made  some  progress  therein. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  from  the  Committee  to  prepare  a 
Form  of  Prayer  and  Thanksgiving  for  the  Fourth  of  July, 
reported  that  they  had  prepared  the  same. 

Ordered,  that  it  be  now  received  and  read. 

Ordered,  that  the  said  Report  be  read  and  considered 
by  paragraphs;  which  being  done, 

Resolved, — That  the  said  form  of  prayer  be  used  in  this 
Church,  on  the  fourth  of  July,  for  ever. 

Then  the  Convention  adjourned  to  6  o'clock  this  evening. 

WEDNESDAY  EVENING,  6  o'clock. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 

Ordered,  that  the  consideration  of  the  proposed  altera 
tions  in  the  Liturgy  be  resumed. 

Ordered,  that  the  same  be  again  read  and  considered  by 
paragraphs ;  which  being  done,  and  the  alterations  agreed  to, 

Resolved, — That  the  said  alterations  be  proposed  and  re 
commended  to  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  in  the  States 
from  which  there  are  deputies  to  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  that  the  alterations  made  in  the  articles  be  again 
read;  which  being  done, 

Ordered  that  the  same  be  read  and  considered  by  para 
graphs;  which  being  done,  and  some  time  spent  thereon, 

Resolved, — That  the  Articles,  as  now  altered,  be  recom 
mended  to  this  Church,  to  be  by  them  adopted  in  the  next 
General  Convention. 

Ordered,  that  the  plan  for  obtaining  Consecration,  and  the 
address  to  the  Archbishops  and  Bishops  of  the  Church  of 
England,  be  again  read;  which  being  done,  the  same  was 
agreed  to,  and  are  as  follow : 


1785,]  JOURNAL   OF   THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.  25 

I.  That  this  Convention  address  the  Archbishops  and  Bi 
shops  of  the  Church  of  England,  requesting  them  to  confer 
the  Episcopal  character  on  such  persons  as  shall  be  chosen 
and  recommended  to  them  for  that  purpose  from  the  Conven 
tions  of  this  Church  in  the  respective  States. 

II.  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  said  Conventions  that 
they  elect  persons  for  this  purpose. 

III.  That  it  be  further  recommended  to  the  different  Con 
ventions,  at  their  next  respective  sessions,  to  appoint  com 
mittees,  with  powers  to  correspond  with  the  English  bishops, 
for  the  carrying  of  these  resolutions  into   effect;  and  that 
until  such  committees  shall  be  appointed,  they  be  requested 
to  direct  any  communications  which  they  may  be  pleased  to 
make  on  this  subject,  to  the  committee,   consisting   of  the 
Rev.  Dr.  White,     President  ,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Provost,  the  Hon.  James  Duane,  and  Samuel  Powell  and 
Richard  Peters,  Esquires. 

IV.  That  it  be  further  recommended  to  the  different  Con 
ventions,  that  they  pay  especial  attention  to  the  making  it 
appear  to  their  Lordships,  that  the  persons  who  shall  be  sent 
to   them   for  consecration   are  desired  in  the  character  of 
Bishops,  as  well  by  the  Laity  as  by  the  Clergy  of  this  Church 
in  the  said  States,  respectively ;  and  that  they  will  be  receiv 
ed  by  them  in  that  character  on  their  return. 

V.  And  in  order  to  assure  their  Lordships  of  the  legality 
of  the  present  proposed  application,  that 'the  Deputies  now 
assembled  be  desired  to  make  a  respectful  address  to  the 
civil  rulers  of  the  States  in  which  they  respectively  reside, 
to  certify  that  the  said  application  is  not  contrary  to  the 
Constitutions  and  laws  of  the  same. 

VI.  And  whereas  the  Bishops  of  this  Church  will  not  be 
entitled  to  any  of  such  temporal  honors  as  are  due  to  the 
Archbishops  and  Bishops  of  the  parent  Church,  in  quality 
of  Lords  of  Parliament;  and  whereas   the   reputation    and 
usefulness  of  our  Bishops  will  considerably  depend  on  their 
taking  no  higher  titles  or  stile  than  will  be  due  to  their  spir 
itual  employments ;  that  it  be  recommended  to  this  Church, 
in  the  States  here  represented,  to  provide  that  their  respec 
tive  Bishops  may  be  called  "  The  Right  Rev.  A.  B.,  Bishop 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in   C.  D.,"  and,  as 
Bishop,  may  have  no  other  title,  and  may  not  use  any  such 
stile  as  is  usually  descriptive  of  temporal  power  and  prece 
dency. 


26  JOURNAL   OF   THE   GENERAL    CONVENTION.          [1785. 

TO  THE  MOST  REVEREND  AND  RIGHT  REVEREND  THE 
ARCHBISHOPS  OF  CANTERBURY  AND  YORK,  AND  THE 
BISHOPS  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF  ENGLAND. 

We  the  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  sundry  of  the  United  States  of  America,  think  it  our  duty  to  address 
your  Lordships  on  a  subject  deeply  interesting,  not  only  to  ourselves  and 
those  whom  we  represent,  but,  as  we  conceive,  to  the  common  cause  of 
Christianity. 

Our  forefathers,  when  they  left  the  land  of  their  nativity,  did  not  leave 
the  bosom  of  that  Church  over  which  your  Lordships  now  preside ;  but, 
as  well  from  a  veneration  for  Episcopal  government,  as  from  an  attach 
ment  to  the  admirable  services  of  our  Liturgy,  continued  in  willing  con 
nection  with  their  ecclesiastical  superiors  in  England,  and  were  subjected 
to  many  local  inconveniences,  rather  than  break  the  unity  of  the  Church 
to  which  they  belonged. 

When  it  pleased  the  Supreme  Ruler  of  the  universe,  that  this  part  of 
the  British  empire  should  be  free,  sovereign,  and  independent,  it  became 
the  most  important  concern  of  the  members  of  our  Communion  to  pro 
vide  for  its  continuance.  And  while,  in  accomplishing  of  this,  they  kept 
in  view  that  wise  and  liberal  part  of  the  system  of  the  Church  of  England 
which  excludes  as  well  the  claiming  as  the  acknowledging  of  such  spirit 
ual  subjection  as  may  be  inconsistent  with  the  civil  duties  of  her  children ; 
it  was  nevertheless  their  earnest  desire  and  resolution  to  retain  the  vene 
rable  form  of  Episcopal  government  handed  down  to  them,  as  they  con 
ceive,  from  the  time  of  the  Apostles,  and  endeared  to  them  by  the  remem 
brance  of  the  holy  Bishops  of  the  primitive  Church,  of  the  blessed  Mar 
tyrs  who  reformed  the  doctrine  and  worship  of  the  Church  of  England, 
and  of  the  many  great  and  pious  Prelates  who  have  adorned  that  Church 
in  every  succeeding  age.  But  however  general  the  desire  of  compleatiug 
the  Orders  of  our  Ministry,  so  diffused  and  unconnected  were  the  mem 
bers  of  our  Communion  over  this  extensive  country,  that  much  time  and 
negociation  were  necessary  for  the  forming  a  representative  body  of  the 
greater  number  of  Episcopalians  in  these  States ;  and  owing  to  the  same 
causes,  it  was  not  until  this  Convention  that  sufficient  powers  could  be 
procured  for  the  addressing  your  Lordships  on  this  subject. 

The  petition  which  we  offer  to  your  Venerable  Body  is, — that  from  a 
tender  regard  to  the  religious  interests  of  thousands  in  this  rising  empire, 
professing  the  same  religious  principles  with  the  Church  of  England,  you 
will  be  pleased  to  confer  the  Episcopal  character  on  such  pe'rsons  as  shall 
be  recommended  by  this  Church  in  the  several  States  here  represented — 
full  satisfaction  being  given  of  the  sufficiency  of  the  persons  recommend 
ed,  and  of  its  being  the  intention  of  the  general  body  of  the  Episcopalians 
iii  the  said  States  respectively,  to  receive  them  in  the  quality  of  Bishops. 

Whether  this  our  request  will  meet  with  insurmountable  impediments, 
from  the  political  regulations  of  the  kingdom  in  which  your  Lordships  fill 
such  distinguished  stations,  it  is  not  for  us  to  foresee.  We  have  not  been 
ascertained  that  any  such  will  exist;  and  are  humbly  of  opinion,  that  as 
citizens  of  these  States,  interested  in  their  prosperity,  and  religiously  re 
garding  the  allegiance  which  we  owe  them,  it  is  to  an  ecclesiastical  source 
only  we  can  apply  in  the  present  exigency. 

It  may  be  of  consequence  to  observe,  that  in  these  States  there  is  a 
separation  between  the  concerns  of  policy  and  those  of  religion ;  that,  ac- 


1785.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       27 

cordingly,  our  civil  rulers  cannot  officially  join  in  the  present  application ; 
that,  however,  we  are  far  from  apprehending  the  opposition  or  even  dis 
pleasure  of  any  of  those  honorable  personages ;  and  finally,  that  in  this 
business  we  are  justified  by  the  Constitutions  of  the  States,  which  are  the 
foundations  and  controul  of  all  our  laws.  On  this  point  we  beg  leave  to 
refer  to  the  enclosed  extracts  from  the  Constitutions  of  the  respective 
States  of  which  we  are  citizens,  and  we  flatter  ourselves  that  they  must  be 
satisfactory. 

Thus,  we  have  stated  to  your  Lordships  the  nature  and  the  grounds  of 
our  application ;  which  we  have  thought  it  most  respectful  and  most'  suit 
able  to  the  magnitude  of  the  object,  to  address  to  your  Lordships  for  your 
deliberation  before  any  person  is  sent  over  to  carry  them  into  effect.  What 
ever  may  be  the  event,  no  time  will  efface  the  remembrance  of  the  past 
services  of  your  Lordships  and  your  predecessors.  The  Archbishops  of 
Canterbury  were  not  prevented,  even  by  the  weighty  concerns  of  their  high 
stations,  from  attending  to  the  interests  of  this  distant  branch  of  the 
Church  under  their  care.  The  Bishops  of  London  were  our  Diocesans; 
ind  the  uninterrupted  although  voluntary  submission  of  our  congregations, 
will  remain  a  perpetual  proof  of  their  mild  and  paternal  government.  All 
the  Bishops  of  England,  with  other  distinguished  characters,  as  well  ec 
clesiastical  as  civil,  have  concurred  in  forming  and  carrying  on  the  bene 
volent  views  of  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign 
Parts :  a  Society  to  whom,  under  God,  the  prosperity  of  our  Church  is  in 
an  eminent  degree  to  be  ascribed.  It  is  our  earnest  wish  to  be  permitted 
to  make,  through  your  Lordships,  this  just  acknowledgment  to  that  vener 
able  Society ;  a  tribute  of  gratitude  which  we  the  rather  take  this  oppor 
tunity  of  paying,  as  while  they  thought  it  necessary  to  withdraw  their  pe 
cuniary  assistance  from  our  Ministers,  they  have  endeared  their  past  fa 
vors  by  a  benevolent  declaration,  that  it  is  far  from  their  thoughts-  to  alien 
ate  their  affection  from  their  brethren  now  under  another  government — 
with  the  pious  wish,  that  their  former  exertions  may  tetill  continue  to  bring 
forth  the  fruits  they  aimed  at  of  pure  religion  and  virtue.  Our  hearts  are 
penetrated  with  the  most  lively  gratitude  by  these  generous  sentiments ; 
the  long  succession  of  former  benefits  passes  in  review  before  us;  we 
pray  that  our  Church  may  be  a  lasting  monument  of  the  usefulness  of  so 
worthy  a  body ;  and  that  her  sons  may  never  cease  to  be  kindly  affec- 
tioned  to  the  members  of  that  Church,  the  Fathers  of  which  have  so  ten 
derly  watched  over  her  infancy. 

For  your  Lordships  in  particular,  we  most  sincerely  wish  and  pray,  that 
you  may  long  continue  the  ornaments  of  the  Church  of  England,  and 
at  last  receive  the  reward  of  the  righteous  from  the  great  Shepherd  and 
Bishop  of  souls. 

We  are,  with  all  the  respect  which  is  due  to  your  exalted  and  venerable 
characters  and  stations, 

Your  Lordships 

Most  obedient  and 

Most  humble  Servants, 
SIGNED  BY  THE  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES 

OF  THE  CONVENTION. 
IN  CONVENTION: 
Christ  Church,  Philadelphia. 
October  5th,  1785. 


28       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1785. 

Resolved, — That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  publish  the 
Book  of  Common  Prayer  with  the  alterations,  as  well  as 
those  now  ratified  in  order  to  render  the  Liturgy  consistent 
with  the  American  Revolution  and  the  Constitutions  of  the 
respective  States,  as  the  alterations  and  new  Offices  recom 
mended  to  this  Church ;  and  that  the  book  be  accompanied 
with  a  proper  Preface  or  Address,  setting  forth  the  reason 
and  expediency  of  the  alterations;  and  that  the  Committee 
have  the  liberty  to  make  verbal  and  grammatical  corrections, 
but  in  such  manner,  as  that  nothing  in  form  or  substance  be 
altered. 

The  Committee  appointed  were  the  Rev.  Dr.  White  (Pre 
sident),  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton. 

Ordered,  that  the  said  Committee  be  authorised  to  dispose 
of  the  copies  of  the  Common  Prayer  when  printed ;  and  that 
after  defraying  all  expences  incurred  therein,  they  remit  the 
nett  profits  to  the  Treasurers  of  the  several  Corporations  and 
Societies  for  the  relief  of  the  widows  and  children  of  de 
ceased  clergymen  in  the  States  represented  in  this  Conven 
tion,  the  profits  to  be  equally  divided  among  the  said  socie 
ties  and  corporations. 

Resolved, — That  the  same  Committee  be  authorised  to 
publish,  with  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  such  of  the  read 
ing  and  singing  Psalms,  and  such  a  Kalendar  of  proper  les 
sons  for  the  different  Sundays  and  Holy-days  throughout  the 
year,  as  they  may  think  proper. 

Resolved, — That  the  same  Committee  be  authorised  to 
publish  the  Journal  of  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  that  the  Journal  and  all  the  proceedings  of  the 
Convention  be  lodged  in  the  hands  of  the  President. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton,  hav 
ing  preached  a  Sermon  last  Sunday,  on  the  Duties  of  the  Mi 
nisterial  Office,  highly  satisfactory  to  this  Convention  and 
the  whole  audience,  be  requested  to  publish  the  same. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  be  re 
quested  to  prepare  and  preach  a  Sermon  suited  to  the  solemn 
occasion  of  the  present  Convention  on  Friday  next;  and 
that  the  Service  be  then  read, as  proposed  for  future  use. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention 
be  given  to  the  President,  for  his  able  and  diligent  discharge 
of  the  duties  of  his  office. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  Conven 
tion  be  given  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  for  his  exemplary  dili- 


1785.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       29 

gence3and  the  great  assistance  he  has  rendered  this  Conven 
tion  as  Chairman  of  the  Committee,  in  perfecting  the  im 
portant  business  in  which  they  have  been  engaged. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  Conven 
tion  be  given  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Griffith  for  his  ability  and  dili 
gence  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty  as  Secretary. 

Then  the  members  present  of  the  Convention  signed  all 
the  acts  and  instruments;  and  afterwards  adjourned,  to  meet 
on  Friday,  10  o'clock,  at  the  Academy  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church,  in  order  to  attend  Divine  Service  and 
Sermon. 


FRIDAY,  7th  October,  1785. 

The  Convention  met,  according  to  adjournment,  and  at 
tended  Divine  Service  in  Christ  Church ;  when  the  Liturgy, 
as  altered,  was  read  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  White,  and  a  suitable 
Sermon  was  preached  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  after  which  the 
Convention  adjourned,  to  meet  this  evening  at  7  o'clock,  at 
the  Academy  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church. 

FRIDAY  EVENING,  7  o'clock. 
The  Convention  met,  according  to  adjournment. 
On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  Conven 
tion  be  given  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  for  his  Sermon,  preached 
this  day  before  them,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  publish  the 
same. 

Resolved, — That  the  President  be  requested  to  preach  a\ 
the  opening  of  the  next  Convention. 
The  Convention  then  adjourned. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  Convention : 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  PRESIDENT. 
ATTEST:  DAVID  GRIFFITH,  Secretary. 


JOURNAL  OF  A  CONVENTION 


OF   THE 


djpisrnp! 


IN  THE  STATES  OF 


New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland, 
Virginia,  and  South  Carolina, 


HELD   IN 


CHRIST   CHURCH,   PHILADELPHIA, 


FROM 


JUNE  20  TO  JUNE  26,  1786. 


(31) 


LIST  OF  THE  MEMBEKS  OF  THE  CONTENTION 


FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  YORK. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Provost. 
The  Rev.  Joshua  Bloomer. 
The  Hon.  John  Jay. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  JERSEY. 
The  Rev.  Abraham  Beach. 

The  Rev.  William  Frazer. 
The  Hon.  David  Brearley. 
James  Parker,  Esq. 
Matthias  Halsted,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 
The  Rev.  William  White,  D.D. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Magaw,  D.D. 
The  Rev.  Robert  BlackwelL 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Pilmore. 
The  Hon.  Francis  Hopkinson. 
Plunket  Fleeson,  Esq. 
Samuel  Powell,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  DELAWARE. 

The  Rev.  Chas.  H.  Wharton,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Emanuel  Church,  New  Castle. 
The  Rev.  Sydenham  Thome. 
Robert  Clay,  Esq. 
Nicholas  Ridgeley,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  MARYLAND. 

The  Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D. 

The  Rev.  William  Smith,  of  Stepney  Parish. 

3  (33) 


34  LIST   OF  THE   MEMBERS.  [1786. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  VIRGINIA. 

The  Rev.  David  Griffith. 
The  Hon.  Cyrus  Griffin. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Smith. 
Edward  Mitchell  Esq. 
The  Hon.  John  Parker. 


JOURNAL. 


TUESDAY,  20th  of  June,  1786. 
and  Lay  Deputies   from  several  of   the 
^    States  assembled;  and  judging  it  proper  to  wait  for 
fj»5      a  fuller  Convention  before  they  entered  on  business, 
Adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


WEDNESDAY,  21st  of  June,  1786. 

The  Convention  was  opened  with  Divine  Service,  read  by 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Griffith,  and  a  Sermon 
on  the  occasion  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  White. 

Ordered,  that  the  members  present  exhibit  the  testimo 
nials  of  their  respective  appointments;  which  was  done  ac 
cordingly. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow. 


THURSDAY,  22d  of  June,  1786. 

The  Convention  met,  and  proceeded  to  tke  election  of  a 
President  and  Secretary  by  ballot;  when  the  Rev.  David 
Griffith  was  duly  elected  President,  and  the  Hon.  Francis 
Hopkinson,  Secretary  of  this  Convention. 

Motion  made  by  the  Rev.  Robert  Smith,  and  seconded : 

That  the  Clergy  present  produce  their  Letters  of  Orders, 
or  declare  by  whom  they  were  ordained. 

Whereupon  the  previous  question  was  moved  by  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Smith,  and  seconded  by  Rev.  Dr.  White,  viz. : 

Whether  this  question  shall  now  be  put  ? — which  being  car 
ried  in  the  affirmative,  the  main  question  was  then  proposed, 
and  determined  in  the  negative. 

(35) 


36       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1786. 

i 

On  motion  made  and  seconded, 

Ordered,  that  the  letter  from  the  Archbishops  and  Bishops 
of  England,  to  this  Convention,  be  now  read;  and  it  was 
read  accordingly,  in  the  words  following: 

TO  THE  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES  OF  THE  PRO- 
TESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH  IN  SUNDRY  OF  THE 
UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 

The  Archbishop  of  Canterbury  hath  received  an  address,  dated  in  Con 
vention,  Christ  Church,  Philadelphia,  October  5,  1785,  from  the  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  sundry  of  the 
United  States  of  America,  directed  to  the  Archbishops  and  Bishops  of 
England,  and  requesting  them  to  confer  the  Episcopal  character  on  such 
persons  as  shall  be  recommended  by  the  Episcopal  Church  in  the  several 
States  by  them  represented. 

This  brotherly  and  Christian  address  was  communicated  to  the  Arch 
bishop  of  York,  and  to  the  Bishops,  with  as  much  dispatch  as  their  sepa 
rate  and  distant  situations  would  permit,  and  hath  been  received  and  con 
sidered  by  them  with  that  true  and  affectionate  regard  which  they  have 
always  shown  towards  their  Episcopal  brethren  in  America. 

We  are  now  enabled  to  assure  you,  that  nothing  is  nearer  to  our  hearts 
than  the  wish  to  promote  your  spiritual  welfare,  to  be  instrumental  in  pro 
curing  for  you  the  complete  exercise  of  our  holy  religion,  and  the  enjoy 
ment  of  that  Ecclesiastical  Constitution  which  we  believe  to  be  truly  apos 
tolical,  and  for  which  you  express  so  unreserved  a  veneration. 

We  are  therefore  happy  to  be  informed,  that  this  pious  design  is  not 
likely  to  receive  any  discountenance  from  the  civil  powers  under  which 
you  live ;  and  we  desire  you  to  be  persuaded,  that  we  on  our  parts  will  use 
our  best  endeavors,  which  we  have  good  reason  to  hope  will  be  successful, 
to  acquire  a  legal  capacity  of  complying  with  the  prayer  of  your  address. 

With  these  sentiments,  we  are  disposed  to  make  every  allowance  which 
candour  can  suggest  for  the  difficulties  of  your  situation,  but  at  the  same 
time  we  cannot  help  being  afraid,  that,  in  the  proceedings  of  your  Con 
vention,  some  alterations  may  have  been  adopted  or  intended,  which  those 
difficulties  do  not  seem  to  justify. 

Those  alterations  are  not  mentioned  in  your  address :  and,  as  our  know 
ledge  of  them  is  n»  more  than  what  has  reached  us  through  private  and 
less  certain  channels,  we  hope  you  will  think  it  just,  both  to  you  and  to 
ourselves,  if  we  wait  for  an  explanation. 

For  while  we  are  anxious  to  give  every  proof,  not  only  of  our  brotherly 
affection,  but  of  our  facility  in  forwarding  your  wishes,  we  cannot  but  be 
extremely  cautious,  lest  we  should  be  the  instruments  of  establishing  an 
Ecclesiastical  system  which  will  be  called  a  branch  of  the  Church  of  En 
gland,  but  afterwards  may  possibly  appear  to  have  departed  from  it  es 
sentially,  either  in  doctrine  or  in  discipline. 

In  the  mean  time,  we  heartily  commend  you  to  God's  holy  protection, 
and  are,  your  affectionate  brethren, 

J.  ROCHESTER.  T.  CANTUAR. 

R.  WORCESTER.  W.  EBOR. 

I.  OXFORD.  R.  LONDON. 

I.  EXETER.  W.  CHICHESTEK. 


1786.]         JOURNAL    OF   THE    GENERAL    CONVENTION.  37 

THO.  LINCOLN.  C.  BATH  AND  WELLS. 

JOHN  BANGOR.  S.  St.  ASAPH. 

I.  LlTCHFIELD    AND    COVENTRY.         S.  SARUM. 

S.  GLOUCESTER.  J.  PETERBOROUGH. 

E.  ST.  DAVIDS.  JAMES  ELY. 

CHR.  BRISTOL. 
LONDON,  February  24,  1786. 

Resolved, — That  this  Convention  entertain  a  grateful  sense 
of  the  Christian  affection  and  condescension  manifested  in 
this  letter.  And  whereas  it  appears  that  the  venerable  Pre 
lates  have  heard,  through  private  channels,  that  the  Church 
here  represented  have  adopted,  or  intended,  such  alterations 
as  would  be  an  essential  deviation  from  the  Church  of  En 
gland,  this  Convention  trust  that  they  shall  be  able  to  give 
such  information  to  those  venerable  Prelates,  as  will  satisfy 
them  that  no  such  alterations  have  been  adopted  or  intended. 

Resolved, — That  a  Committee  be  now  appointed,  to  draft 
an  answer  to  the  letter  of  the  Archbishops  and  Bishops  of 
England. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  the  Rev.  Dr.  White, 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton,  James  Parker  and  Cyrus  Griffin, 
Esquires,  be  the  Committee  for  this  purpose. 

A  motion  made  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Provost,  and  seconded  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  of  South  Carolina,  viz., 

That  this  Convention  will  resolve  to  do  no  act  that  shall 
imply  the  validity  of  ordinations  made  by  Dr.  Seabury. 

The  previous  question  was  moved  by  Dr.  Smith,  seconded 
by  Dr.  White,  viz., 

Shall  this  question  be  now  put?  and  carried  in  the  affirma 
tive.  The  main  question  was  then  proposed  and  determined 
in  the  negative,  as  follows: 

New  York,  Aye;  New  Jersey,  Aye;  Pennsylvania,  No; 
Delaware,  No;  Maryland,  No;  Virginia,  No;  South  Caro 
lina,  Aye. 

On  motion  made  by  Dr.  White,  and  seconded  by  Mr. 
Smith,  of  South  Carolina, 

Resolved  unanimously, — That  it  be  recommended  to  this 
Church  in  the  States  here  represented,  not  to  receive  to  the 
pastoral  charge,  within  their  respective  limits,  Clergymen 
professing  canonical  subjection  to  any  Bishop,  in  any  State 
or  country,  other  than  those  Bishops  who  may  be  duly  set 
tled  in  the  States  represented  in  this  Convention. 

Adjourned  to  ten  o'clock  to-morrow. 


8357 


38       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1786. 

FRIDAY,  the  23d  of  June,  1786. 
The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 
On  motion  made  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  of  South  Caro 
lina,  and  seconded,  it  was  unanimously 

Resolved, — That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Conventions  of 
the  Church,  represented  in  this  General  Convention,  not  to 
admit  any  person  as  a  Minister  within  their  respective  limits, 
who  shall  receive  ordination  from  any  Bishop  residing  in 
America,  during  the  application  now  pending  to  the  English 
Bishops  for  Episcopal  consecration. 

The  Journals  of  the  late  Convention,  and  the  proposed 
Constitution  of  the  Church,  were  read  for  the  first  time. 

Previous  to  a  second  reading,  a  Memorial  from  the  Con 
vention  of  the  Church  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey  was  pre 
sented,  and  sundry  communications  from  the  Conventions  in 
the  other  States  were  made,  relative  to  the  business  of  this 
Convention.  Whereupon, 

Resolved, — That  the  said  Memorial  and  communications 
be  referred  to  the  first  General  Convention  which  shall  as 
semble  with  sufficient  powers  to  determine  on  the  same;  and 
that,  in  the  mean  time,  they  be  lodged  with  the  Secretary. 

The  proposed  Constitution  was  then  taken  up  for  a  second 
reading,  and  debated  by  paragraphs. 

The  Preamble,  contained  in  three  clauses  or  sections,  was 
agreed  to  without  alteration. 

Sect.  I.  "  Of  the  Constitution."  On  motion  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Smith,  of  South  Carolina,  the  triennial  meetings  of  the 
General  Convention  were  changed  from  the  third  Tuesday  in 
June  to  the  fourth  Tuesday  in  July. 

Sect.  II.  After  the  words  "  of  each  Order,"  insert, 
"chosen  by  the  Convention  of  each  State." 

Sect.  III.  Agreed  to. 

Sect.  IV.  Agreed  to. 

Sect.  V.  From  the  words  "  this  general  Ecclesiastical  Con 
stitution,"  dele  the  word  "general,"  and  insert  the  same  be 
fore  the  word  "  Convention,"  in  the  next  line,  and  the  sen 
tence  will  run  thus — "  he  shall  be  considered  as  a  member  of 
the  General  Convention  ex  officio." 

On  motion  by  Dr.  White,  seconded  by  Mr.  Beach.  After 
the  words  "ex  officio,"  add — "and  a  Bishop  shall  always 
preside  in  the  General  Convention,  if  any  of  the  Episcopal 
Order  be  present." 

Sect.  VI.  Dele  the  words  "by  the  respective  Conventions," 


1786.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       39 

and  insert  "  by  the  Convention  of  that  State."  After  the 
words  "to  ordain  or  confirm,"  insert  "  or  perform  any  other 
act  of  the  Episcopal  office." 

Sect.  VII.  Agreed  to. 

Sect.  VIII.  On  motion  by  Dr.  White,  seconded  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Beach.  After  the  words — "equitable  mode  of 
trial,"  add  these  words, — "And  at  every  trial  of  a  Bishop, 
there  shall  be  one  or  more  of  the  Episcopal  Order  present; 
and  none  but  a  Bishop  shall  pronounce  sentence  of  deposi 
tion  or  degradation  from  the  Ministry  on  any  Clergyman, 
whether  Bishop,  or  Presbyter,  or  Deacon." 

Nicholas  Ridgely,  Esq.,  a  Deputy  from  the  State  of  Del 
aware,  attended,  and  after  producing  the  testimonials  of  his 
appointment,  took  his  seat  in  Convention. 

Adjourned  to  6  o'clock  in  the  evening. 

FRIDAY  EVENING. 

At  6  o'clock  the  Convention  met. 

The  Rev.  Sydenham  Thorne,  a  Deputy  from  the  State  of 
Delaware,  exhibited  his  credentials,  and  took  his  seat  in 
Convention. 

The  debates  on  the  Constitution  were"  renewed  and  con 
tinued. 

Sect.  IX.  Instead  of  the  words,  "to  be  the  desire,"  in 
sert  "to  be  the  general  desire."  After  the  words,  "there 
fore  the,"  dele  the  whole  subsequent  part  of  the  section,  and 
in  place  thereof  insert  as  follows :  "  Book  of  Common  Prayer 
and  Administration  of  Sacraments,  and  other  Rites  and  Ce 
remonies,  as  revised  and  proposed  to  the  use  of  the  Protest 
ant  Episcopal  Church,  at  a  Convention  of  the  said  Church, 
in  the  States  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Del 
aware,  Maryland,  Virginia,  and  South  Carolina,  may  be  used 
by  this  Church  in  such  of  the  States  as  have  adopted,  or  may 
adopt,  the  same  in  their  particular  Conventions,  till  further 
provision  is  made  in  this  case,  by  the  first  General  Conven 
tion  which  shall  assemble  with  sufficient  power  to  ratify  a 
Book  of  Common  Prayer  for  the  Church  in  these  States." 

Sect.  X.  Dele  the  whole  of  this  section,  and  in  place 
thereof  insert  as  follows  : 

"No  person  shall  be  ordained  until  due  examination  had 
by  the  Bishop  and  two  Presbyters,  and  exhibiting  testimo 
nials  of  his  moral  conduct  for  three  years  past,  signed  by  the 
Minister  and  a  majority  of  the  Vestry  of  the  Church  where 


40       JOURNAL  OP  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1786 

he  last  resided;  or  permitted  to  officiate  as  a  Minister  in 
this  Church  until  he  has  exhibited  his  Letters  of  Ordination 
and  subscribed  the  following  declaration :  '  I  do  believe  the 
Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament  to  be  the 
word  of  God,  and  to  contain  all  things  necessary  to  salva 
tion  :  and  I  do  solemnly  engage  to  conform  to  the  doctrines 
and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  these 
United  States.' " 

Sect.  XI.  Dele  the  whole,  and  in  place  thereof  insert  as 
follows : 

"  This  Constitution  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  United  States  of  America,  when  ratified  by  the  Church 
in  a  majority  of  the  States,  assembled  in  General  Convention, 
with  sufficient  power  for  the  purpose  of  such  ratification, 
shall  be  unalterable  by  the  Convention  of  any  particular 
State,  which  hath  been  represented  at  the  time  of  said  rati 
fication." 

From  the  title  of  the  Constitution  dele  the  word  "  Eccle 
siastical." 

The  question  being  then  put  on  the  whole  of  the  proposed 
Constitution,  as  now  amended,  the  same  was  unanimously 
agreed  to  as  follows. 

A   GENERAL  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  PROTESTANT  EPIS 
COPAL  CHURCH  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 

Whereas,  in  the  course  of  Divine  Providence,  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  is  become  independent  of  all 
foreign  authority,  civil  and  ecclesiastical ; — 

And  whereas,  at  a  meeting  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  of  the  said 
Church  in  sundry  of  the  said  States,  viz.,  in  the  States  of  Massachusetts, 
Rhode  Island,  Connecticut,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Dela 
ware,  and  Maryland,  held  in  the  city  of  New  York  on  the  6th  and  7th  days 
of  October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1784,  it  was  recommended  to  this 
Church  in  the  said  States  represented  as  aforesaid,  and  proposed  to  this 
Church  in  the  States  not  represented,  that  they  should  send  Deputies  to  a 
Convention  to  be  held  in  the  city  of  Philadephia,  on  the  Tuesday  before 
the  Feast  of  St.  Michael,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1785,  in  order  to  unite 
in  a  Constitution  of  Ecclesiastical  government,  agreeably  to  certain  funda 
mental  principles,  expressed  in  the  said  recommendation  and  proposal; 

And  whereas,  in  consequence  of  the  said  recommendation  aud  proposal, 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  have  been  duly  appointed  from  the  said  Church 
in  the  States  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Mary 
land,  Virginia,  and  South  Carolina; 

The  said  Deputies  being  now  assembled,  and  taking  into  consideration 
the  importance  of  maintaining  uniformity  in  doctrine,  discipline  and  wor 
ship  in  the  said  Church,  do  hereby  determine  and  declare : 


1786.]   JOURNAL  or  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     41 

I.  That  there  shall  be  a  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  which  shall  be  held  in  the  city 
of  Philadelphia,  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  June,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord, 
1786,  and  for  ever  after  once  in  three  years,  on  the  fourth  Tuesday  in 
July,  in  such  place  as  shall  be  determined  by  the  Convention ;  and  special 
meetings  may  be  held  at  such  other  times,  and  in  such  place,  as  shall  be 
hereafter  provided  for.     And  this  Church,  in -a  majority  of  the  States  afore 
said,  shall  be  represented  before  they  shall  proceed  to  business,  except  that 
the  representation  of  this  Church  from  two  States  shall  be  sufficient  to 
adjourn.     And  in  all  business  of  the  Convention,  freedom  of  debate  shall 
be  allowed. 

II.  There  shall  be  a  representation  of  both  Clergy  and  Laity  of  the 
Church  in  each  State,  which  shall  consist  of  one  or  more  Deputies,  not 
exceeding  four,  of  each  Order,  chosen  by  the  Convention  of  each  State ; 
and  in  all  questions  the  said  Church  in  each  State  shall  have  but  one  vote, 
and  a  majority  of  suffrages  shall  be  conclusive. 

III.  In  the  said  Church,  in  every  State  represented  in  this  Convention, 
there  shall  be  a  Convention  consisting  of  the  Clergy  and  Lay  Deputies  of 
the  congregations. 

IV.  "  The  Book  of  Common  Prayer  and  Administration  of  the  Sacra 
ments,  and  other  Rites  and  Ceremonies  of  the  Church,  according  to  the 
use  of  the  Church  of  England,"  shall  be  continued  to  be  used  by  this 
Church,  as  the  same  is  altered  by  this  Convention,  in  a  certain  instrument 
of  writing  passed  by  their  authority,  entituled,  "  Alterations  of  the  Liturgy 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  in 
order  to  render  the  same  conformable  to  the  American  Revolution  and 
the  Constitutions  of  the  respective  States." 

V.  In  every  State  where  there  shall  be  a  Bishop  duly  consecrated  and 
settled,  who  shall  have  acceded  to  the  articles  of  this  Ecclesiastical  Con 
stitution,  he  shall  be  considered  as  a  member  of  the  General  Convention 
ex  officio ;  and  a  Bishop  shall  always  preside  in  the  General  Convention, 
if  any  of  the  Episcopal  Order  be  present. 

VI.  The  Bishop  or  Bishops  in  every  State  shall  be  chosen  agreeably  to 
such  rules  as  shall  be  fixed  by  the  Convention  of  that  State;  and  every 
Bishop  of  this  Church  shall  confine  the  exercise  of  his  Episcopal  office  to 
his  proper  jurisdiction,  unless  requested  to  ordain  or  confirm,  or  perform 
any  other  act  of  the  Episcopal  office,  by  any  Church  destitute  of  a  Bishop. 

VII.  A  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  in  any  of  the  United  States  not 
now  represented,  may  at  any  time  hereafter  be  admitted,  on  acceding  to 
the  articles  of  this  union. 

VIII.  Every  Clergyman,  whether  Bishop,  or  Presbyter,  or  Deacon,  shall 
be  amenable  to  the  authority  of  the  Convention  in  the  State  to  which  he 
belongs,  so  far  as  relates  to  suspension  or  removal  from  office ;  and  the 
Convention  in  each  State  shall  institute  rules  for  their  conduct,  and  an 
equitable  mode  of  trial.     And  at  every  trial  of  a  Bishop,  there  shall  be 
one  or  more  of  the  Episcopal  Order  present,  and  none  but  a  Bishop  shall 
pronounce  sentence  of  deposition  or  degradation  from  the  ministry  on  any 
Clergyman,  whether  Bishop,  or  Presbyter,  or  Deacon. 

IX.  And  whereas  it  is  represented  to  this  Convention  to  be  the  general 
desire  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  these  States,  that  there  may 
be  further  alterations  of  the  Liturgy  than  such,  as  are  made  necessary  by 
the  American  Revolution, — therefore  "  The  Book  of  Common  Prayer  and 
Administration  of  the  Sacraments,  and  other  Rites  and  Ceremonies,  as 


42      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1786. 

revised  and  proposed  to  the  use  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  at  a 
Convention  of  the  said  Church  in  the  States  of  New  York,  New  Jersey, 
Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland,  Virginia,  and  South  Carolina,"  may 
be  used  by  the  Church  in  such  of  the  States  as  have  adopted,  or  may 
adopt,  the  same  in  their  particular  Conventions,  till  further  provision  is 
made,  in  this  case,  by  the  first  General  Convention  which  shall  assemble 
with  sufficient  power  to  ratify  a  Book  of  Common  Prayer  for  the  Church 
in  these  States. 

X.  No  person  shall  be  ordained,  until  due  examination  had  by  the 
Bishop  and  two  Presbyters,  and  exhibiting  testimonials  of  his  moral  con 
duct  for  three  years  past,  signed  by  the  Minister  and  a  majority  of  the 
Vestry  of  the  Church  where  he  has  last  resided;  or  permitted  to  officiate 
as  a  Minister  in  this  Church  until  he  has  exhibited  his  Letters  of  Ordina 
tion  and  subscribed  the  following  declaration :  "  I  do  believe  the  Holy 
Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament  to  be  the  word  of  God,  and  to 
contain  all  things  necessary  to  our  salvation ;  and  I  do  solemnly  engage 
to  conform  to   the  doctrines  and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  these  United  States. 

XI.  The  Constitution  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America,  when  ratified  by  the  Church   in  a  majority  of  the 
States  assembled  in  General  Convention,  with  sufficient  power  for  the  pur 
pose  of  such  ratification,  shall  be  unalterable  by  the  Convention  of  any 
particular  State,  which  hath  been  represented  at  the  time  of  such  rati 
fication. 

Adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow. 


SATURDAY,  24th  of  June,  1786. 

The  Convention  met. 

The  Committee  appointed  for  that  purpose,  reported  an 
answer  to  the  letter  from  the  Archbishops  and  Bishops  of 
England. 

On  motion  by  Mr.  Halsted, 

Resolved, — That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Conventions  of 
this  Church,  in  the  several  States  represented  in  this  Con 
vention,  that  they  authorise  and  empower  their  Deputies  to 
the  next  General  Convention,  after  we  shall  have  obtained 
a  Bishop  or  Bishops  in  our  Church,  to  confirm  and  ratify 
a  general  Constitution,  respecting  both  the  doctrine  and  dis 
cipline  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  Conven 
tion  be  given  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  White  for  his  Sermon  at  the 
opening  of  this  Convention,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  have 
the  same  printed. 


1786.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      48 

Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  be  given 
to  his  Excellency  John  Adams,  Minister  Plenipotentiary  of 
the  United  States  at  the  Court  of  London;  to  the  Hon. 
Richard  Henry  Lee,  late  President  of  Congress ;  to  the  Hon. 
John  Jay,  Secretary  for  Foreign  Affairs;  and  to  Richard 
Peters,  Esq.,  for  their  kind  attention  to  the  concerns  of  this 
Church, — and  that  the  President  be  desired  to  transmit  the 
same. 

Resolved, — That  a  Committee  of  Correspondence  be  ap 
pointed,  and  the  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  accord 
ingly: — The  Rev.  Mr.  Griffith,  President;  Rev.  Dr.  Smith, 
Rev.  Dr.  White,  Rev.  Mr.  Provost,  Hon.  John  Jay,  Hon. 
James  Duane,  Samuel  Powell,  Esq.,  and  Francis  Hopkinson, 
Esq. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  White,  Dr.  Magaw,  Mr. 
Blackwell,  and  F.  Hopkinson,  Esq.,  be  a  Committee  for  pub 
lishing  the  Journals  of  this  Convention. 

Adjourned,  to  meet  at  Christ  Church  to-morrow  afternoon, 
immediately  after  Divine  Service. 


SUNDAY  AFTERNOON,  25th  of  June,  1786. 

The  Convention  met. 

The  Hon.  Mr.  Jay,  a  Delegate  from  New  York,  attended, 
and  took  his  seat  in  Convention. 

Some  objections  having  been  made  to  the  draft  of  an  an 
swer  to  the  letter  from  the  Archbishops  and  Bishops  of  En 
gland,  the  same  was  recommitted. 

On  motion  made  and  seconded,  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Hopkin 
son  were  added  to  this  Committee. 

Adjourned  to  11  o'clock  to-morrow. 


MONDAY,  26th  of  June,  1786. 

The  Convention  met. 

The  Committee  reported  a  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter 
from  the  Archbishops  and  Bishops  of  England,  which,  being 
read  and  considered,  was  agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows : 


44  JOURNAL   OF   THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.          [1786. 

TO  THE  MOST  REVEREND  AND  RIGHT  REVEREND  FATHERS 
IN  GOD,  THE  ARCHBISHOPS  AND  BISHOPS  OF  THE 
CHURCH  OF  ENGLAND. 

Most  Worthy  and  Venerable  Prelates  : 

We,  the  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  States  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Mary 
land,  Virginia,  and  South  Carolina,  have  received  the  friendly  and  affec 
tionate  letter  which  your  Lordships  did  us  the  honour  to  write  on  the  24th 
day  of  February,  and  for  which  we  request  you  to  accept  our  sincere  and 
grateful  acknowledgments. 

It  gives  us  pleasure  to  be  assured,  that  the  success  of  our  application 
will  probably  meet  with  no  greater  obstacles  than  what  have  arisen  from 
doubts  respecting  the  extent  of  the  alterations  we  have  made  and  proposed  ; 
and  we  are  happy  to  learn,  that  as  no  political  impediments  oppose  us 
here,  those  which  at  present  exist  in  England  may  be  removed. 

While  doubts  remain  of  our  continuing  to  hold  the  same  essential  ar 
ticles  of  faith  and  discipline  with  the  Church  of  England,  we  acknowledge 
the  propriety  of  suspending  a  compliance  with  our  request. 

We  are  unanimous  and  explicit  in  assuring  your  Lordships,  that  we 
neither  have  departed,  nor  propose  to  depart  from  the  doctrines  of  your 
Church.  We  have  retained  the  same  discipline  and  forms  of  worship,  as 
far  as  was  consistent  with  our  civil  Constitutions ;  and  we  have  made  no 
alterations  or  omissions  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  but  such  as  that 
consideration  prescribed,  and  such  as  were  calculated  to  remove  objections, 
which  it  appeared  to  us  more  conducive  to  union  and  general  content  to 
obviateithan  to  dispute.  It  is  well  known,  that  many  great  and  pious  men 
of  the  Church  of  England  have  long  wished  for  a  revision  of  the  Liturgy, 
which  it  was  deemed  imprudent  to  hazard,  lest  it  might  become  a  prece 
dent  for  repeated  and  improper  alterations.  This  is  with  us  the  proper 
season  for  such  a  revision.  We  are  now  settling  and  ordering  the  affairs 
of  our  Church,  and  if  wisely  done,  we  shall  have  reason  to  promise  our 
selves  all  the  advantages  than  can  result  from  stability  and  union. 

We  are  anxious  to  complete  our  Episcopal  system,  by  means  of  the 
Church  of  England.  We  esteem  and  prefer  it,  and  with  gratitude  acknow 
ledge  the  patronage  and  favours  for  which,  while  connected,  we  have  con 
stantly  been  indebted  to  that  Church.  These  considerations,  added  to 
that  of  agreement  in  faith  and  worship,  press  us  to  repeat  our  former 
request,  and  to  endeavour  to  remove  your  present  hesitation,  by  send 
ing  you  our  proposed  Ecclesiastical  Constitution  and  Book  of  Common 
Prayer. 

These  documents,  we  trust,  will  afford  a  full  answer  to  every  question 
that  can  arise  on  the  subject.  We  consider  your  Lordships'  letter  as  very 
candid  and  kind.  We  repose  full  confidence  in  the  assurance  it  gives ;  and 
that  confidence,  together  with  the  liberality  and  Catholicism  of  your  ven 
erable  body,  leads  us  to  flatter  ourselves,  that  you  will  not  disclaim  a 
branch  of  your  Church  merely  for  having  been,  in  your  Lordships'  opinion, 
if  that  should  be  the  case,  pruned  rather  more  closely  than  its  separatiou 
made  absolutely  necessary. 

We  have  only  to  add,  that  as  our  Church  in  sundry  of  these  States  have 
already  proceeded  to  the  election  of  persons  to  be  sent  for  consecration, 
and  others  may  soon  proceed  to  the  same,  we  pray  to  be  favoured  with  as 


1786.]   JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       45 

speedy  an  answer  to  this  our  second  address,  as  in  your  great  goodnesa 
you  were  pleased  to  give  to  our  former  one. 

We  are, 
With  great  and  sincere  respect, 

Most  worthy  and  venerable  Prelates, 
Your  obedient  and 

Very  humble  servants, 
IN  CONVENTION: 
Christ  Church,  Philadelphia, 
June  26,  1786. 


VIRGINIA  .... 
NEW  YORK    .    .    . 

NEW  JERSEY.    .    . 
PENNSYLVANIA 


DAVID  GRIFFITH,  President. 

CYRUS  GRIFFIN. 

SAMUEL    PROVOST,    Rector    of   Trinity 

Church,  New  York. 
JOSHUA  BLOOMER,  Rector  of  Jamaica, 

Long  Island. 
JOHN  JAY. 
ABRAHAM     BEACH,     Rector    of    Christ 

Church,  New  Brunswick. 
JAMES  PARKER. 
MATTHIAS  HALSTED. 
WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Christ 

Church  and  St.  Peter's. 
SAMUEL  MAGAW,  D.D.,  Vice  Provost  of 

the  University   of  Pennsylvania  and 

Rector  of  St.  Paul's. 
ROBERT  BLACKWELL,  Assistant  Minister 

of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's. 
SAMUEL  POWELL. 
FRANCIS  HOPKINSON. 
SYDENHAM    THORNE,  Rector  of   Christ 

Church  and  St.  Paul's. 
CHARLES  H.  WHARTON,  D.D.,  Rector  of 

Emanuel  Church,  New  Castle. 
ROBERT  CLAY. 
NICHOLAS  RIDGELEY. 
WILLIAM    SMITH,    D.D.,    Principal    of 

Washington  College,   and  Rector  of 

Chester  Parish.  [ish. 

WILLIAM  SMITH,  Rector  of  Stepney  Par- 
ROBERT  SMITH,   Rector  of  St.  Philip's 

Church,  Charleston. 
JOHN  PARKER. 

A  fair  copy  of  the  above  being  engrossed  and  compared  at 
the  table,  the  same  was  signed  by  the  Members  present,  and 
delivered  to  the  Committee  of  Correspondence  to  be  for 
warded  to  England. 

Resolved, — That  the  Committee  of  Correspondence  be  em 
powered  to  call  a  General  Convention  whenever  a  majority 
of  the  said  Committee  shall  think  it  necessary. 


DELAWARE     .    .    . 


MARYLAND    . 


SOUTH  CAROLINA 


46       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1786. 

It  was  determined  by  ballot  that  Wilmington,  in  the  State 
of  Delaware,  shall  be  the  next  place  of  meeting. 

Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  be  given 
to  the  President,  for  his  impartial  and  diligent  discharge  of 
the  duties  of  his  office. 

Resolved, — That,  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  be  given 
Francis  Hopkinson,  Esq.,  for  his  diligence  in  the  discharge 
of  his  duty  as  Secretary. 

Resolved, — That  the  President  be  requested  to  open  the 
next  Convention  with  a  Sermon. 

The  Convention  adjourned  sine  die. 
Signed  by  order  of  the  Convention, 

DAVID  GRIFFITH,  PRESIDENT. 

FRANCIS  HOPKINSON,  Secretary. 


JOURNAL  OF  A  CONVENTION 


OF   THE 


f pofpsfanl   ^pixropal  (jljurrlj 

IN  THE  STATES  OF     .  . 

New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  and 
South  Carolina, 

HELD   AT 

WILMINGTON,  STATE  OF  DELAWAEE, 
OCTOBER  IOTH  AND  HTH.  1786. 


LIST  OF  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  CONVENTION. 


FROM  THE  STATE  OP  NEW  YORK. 


The  Rev.  Samuel  Provost,  D.D. 
The  Hon.  James  Duane. 
John  Rutherford,  Esq. 


FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  JERSEY. 

The  Rev.  Uzal  Ogden. 
The  Rev.  William  Frazer. 
John  Cox,  Esq. 
Henry  Waddel,  Esq. 
Joshua  Maddox  Wallace,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  Rev.  William  White,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's, 

Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Magaw,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Philadelphia. 
The  Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  A.M.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ  Church  and 

St.  Peter's,  Philadelphia. 
The  Hon.  Francis  Hopkinson. 
Samuel  Powell,  Esq. 
Bernard  Gilpin,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  DELAWARE. 

The  Rev.  Chas.  H.  Wharton,  D.D. 
The  Rev.  Sydenham  Thome. 
Isaac  Grantham,  Esq. 
James  Sykes,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Smith. 
John  Rutledge,  Jun.,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  MARYLAND. 

The  Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D. 

4  (49) 


JOURNAL. 


TUESDAY,  October  10th,  1786. 
GRIFFITH,  the  President,  not  attending,  the  Sec 
retary  was  desired  to  take  the  Chair. 

A  question  was  then  agitated,  whether  this  meeting 
is  to  be  considered  as  a  new  Convention,  or  an  adjournment 
of  that  lately  held  at  Philadelphia.  And  it  was  unanimously 
determined  that  this  shall  be  considered'  as  an  adjourned 
Convention. 

On  motion,  it  was  agreed  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw  be  re 
quested  to  preach  the  Convention  Sermon  to-morrow,  in  case 
I)r.  Griffith,  who  was  appointed  to  that  service,  should  not 
come  in  time. 

On  motion,  the  letters  received,  since  the  last  meeting, 
from  the  Archbishops  of  England,  with  the  forms  of  testi 
monials,  and  Act  of  Parliament,  enclosed  and  referred  to, 
be  now  read,  and  they  were  read  accordingly,  in  the  words 
following. 

TO  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION  AT 
PHILADELPHIA,  THE  REV.  DR.  WHITE,  PRESIDENT,  THE 
REV.  DR.  SMITH,  THE  REV.  MR.  PROVOST,  THE  HON. 
JAMES  DUANE,  SAMUEL  POWEL,  AND  RICHARD  PETERS, 
ESQRS. 

MB.  PRESIDENT  AND  GENTLEMEN: 

Influenced  by  the  same  sentiments  of  fraternal  regard  expressed  by 
the  Archbishops  and  Bishops  in  their  answer  to  your  address,  we  desire 
you  to  be  persuaded,  that  if  we  have  not  yet  been  able  to  comply  with 
your  request,  the  delay  has  proceeded  from  no  tardiness  on  our  part.  The 
only  cause  of  it  has  been  the  uncertainty  in  which  we  were  left  by  receiv 
ing  your  address,  unaccompanied  by  those  communications  with  regard 
to  your  Liturgy,  Articles  and  Ecclesiastical  Constitution,  without  the  know 
ledge  of  which  we  could  not  presume  to  apply  to  the  Legislature  for  such 
powers  as  were  necessary  to  the  completion  of  your  wishes.  The  Journal 
of  your  Convention,  and  the  first  part  of  your  Liturgy,  did  not  reach  us 

(51) 


52       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1786 

till  more  than  two  months  after  our  receipt  of  your  address ;  and  we  were 
not  in  possession  of  the  remaining  part  of  it,  and  of  your  articles,  till 
the  last  day  of  April.  The  whole  of  your  communications  was  then,  with 
as  little  delay  as  possible,  taken  into  consideration  at  a  meeting  of  the 
Archbishops  and  fifteen  of  the  Bishops,  being  all  who  were  then  in  Lon 
don  and  able  to  attend ;  and  it  was  impossible  not  to  observe  with  concern, 
that  if  the  essential  doctrines  of  our  common  faith  were  retained,  less  re 
spect,  however,  was  paid  to  our  Liturgy  than  its  own  excellence,  and  your 
declared  attachment  to  it,  had  led  us  to  expect:  not  to  mention  a  variety 
of  verbal  alterations,  of  the  necessity  or  propriety  of  which  we  are  by  no 
means  satisfied,  we  saw  with  grief,  that  two  of  the  Confessions  of  our 
Christian  faith,  respectable  for  their  antiquity,  have  been  intirely  laid  aside ; 
and  that  even  in  that  which  is  called  the  Apostles  Creed,  an  article  is  omit 
ted  which  was  thought  necessary  to  be  inserted,  with  a  view  to  a  particular 
heresy,  in  a  very  early  age  of  the  Church,  and  has  ever  since  had  the  ven 
erable  sanction  of  universal  reception.  Nevertheless,  aa  a  proof  of  the 
sincere  desire  which  we  feel  to  continue  in  spiritual  communion  with  the 
members  of  your  Church  in  America,  and  to  complete  the  Orders  of  your 
Ministry,  ana  trusting  that  the  communications  which  we  shall  make  to 
you,  on  the  subject  of  these  and  some  other  alterations,  will  have  their  de 
sired  effect,  we  have,  even  under  these  circumstances,  prepared  a  Bill  for 
conveying  to  us  the  powers  necessary  for  this  purpose.  It  will  in  a  few  days 
be  presented  to  Parliament,  and  we  have  the  best  reasons  to  hope  that  it 
will  receive  the  assent  of  the  Legislature.  This  Bill  will  enable  the  Arch 
bishops  and  Bishops  to  give  Episcopal  Consecration  to  the  persons  who 
shall  be  recommended,  without  requiring  from  them  any  oaths  or  sub 
scriptions  inconsistent  with  the  situation  in  which  the  late  Revolution  has 
placed  them ;  upon  condition  that  the  full  satisfaction  of  the  sufficiency  of 
the  persons  recommended,  which  you  offer  to  us  in  your  address,  be  given 
to  the  Archbishops  and  Bishops.  You  will  doubtless  receive  it  as  a  mark 
both  of  our  friendly  disposition  toward  you,  and  of  our  desire  to  avoid  all 
delay  on  this  occasion,  that  we  have  taken  this  earliest  opportunity  of  con 
veying  to  you  this  intelligence,  and  that  we  proceed  (as  supposing  our 
selves  invested  with  that  power  which  for  your  sakes  we  have  requested) 
to  state  to  you  particularly  the  several  heads,  upon  which  that  satisfaction 
which  you  offer, will  be  accepted,  and  the  mode  in  which  it  may  be  given. 
The  anxiety  which  is  shewn  by  the  Church  of  England  to  prevent  the  in 
trusion  of  unqualified  persons  into  even  the  inferior  Offices  of  our  Ministry, 
confirms  our  own  sentiments,  and  points  it  out  to  be  our  duty,  very  ear 
nestly  to  require  the  most  decisive  proofs  of  the  qualifications  of  those  who 
may  be  offered  for  admission  to  that  Order  to  which  the  superintendence 
of  those  offices  is  committed.  At  our  several  Ordinations  of  a  Deacon 
and  a  Priest,  the  candidate  submits  himself  to  the  examination  of  the 
Bishop  as  to  his  proficiency  in  learning;  he  gives  the  proper  security  of 
his  soundness  in  the  Faith  by  the  subscriptions  which  are  made  previously 
necessary ;  he  is  required  to  bring  testimonials  of  his  virtuous  conversa 
tion  during  the  three  preceding  years ;  and  that  no  mode  of  inquiry  may 
be  omitted,pnblick  notice  of  his  offering  himself  to  be  ordained  is  given  in 
the  Parish  church  where  he  resides  or  ministers,  and  the  people  are  so 
lemnly  called  upon  to  declare.if  they  know  any  impediment,  for  the  which 
he  ought  not  to  be  admitted.  At  the  time  of  Ordination,  too,  the  same 
•olemn  call  is  made  on  the  congregation  then  present. 

Examination,  subscription,  and  testimonials  are  not  indeed  repeated  at 


1786.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       53 

the  consecration  of  an  English  bishop,  because  the  person  to  be  consecrated 
has  added  to  the  securities  given  at  his  former  ordinations,  that  sanction 
which  arises  from  his  having  constantly  lived  and  exercised  his  ministry 
under  the  eyes  and  observation  of  his  country.  But  the  objects  of  our 
present  consideration  are  very  differently  circumstanced ;  their  sufficiency 
in  learning,  the  soundness  of  their  faith,  and  the  purity  of  their  manners, 
are  not  matters  of  notoriety  here;  means,  therefore,  must  be  found  to 
satisfy  the  Archbishop  who  consecrates,  and  the  Bishops  who  present 
them,  that,  in  the  words  of  our  Churc,h,  "  they  be  apt  and  meet  for  their 
learning  and  godiy  conversation,  to  exercise  their  ministry  duly  to  the 
honour  of  God  and  the  edifying  of  his  Church,  and  to  be  wholesome  ex 
amples  and  patterns  to  the  flock  of  Christ." 

With  regard  to  the  first  qualification,  sufficiency  in  good  learning,  we 
apprehend  that  the  subjecting  a  person,  who  is  to  be  admitted  to  the  office 
of  a  Bishop  in  the  Church,  to  that  examination  which  is  required  previous 
to  the  ordination  of  Priests  and  Deacons,  might  lessen  that  reverend  esti 
mation  which  ought  never  to  be  separated  from  the  Episcopal  character : 
we  therefore  do  not  require  any  farther  satisfaction  on  this  point,  than  will 
be  given  to  us  by  the  forms  of  testimonials  in  the  annexed  paper,  fully 
trusting  that  those  who  sign  them  will  be  well  aware,  how  greatly  incom 
petence  in  this  respect  must  lessen  the  weight  and  authority  of  the  Bishop 
and  affect  the  credit  of  the  Episcopal  Church. 

Under  the  second  head,  that  of  subscription,  our  desire  is  to  require  that 
subscription  only  to  be  repeated,  which  you  have  already  been  called  upon 
to  make  by  the  Tenth  Article  of  your  Ecclesiastical  Constitution :  but  we 
should  forget  the  duty  which  we  owe  to  our  own  Church,  and  act  inconsist 
ently  with  that  sincere  regard  which  we  bear  to  yours,  if  we  were  not  ex 
plicit  in  declaring,  that,  after  the  disposition  we  have  shown  to  comply 
with  the  prayer  of  your  address,  we  think  it  now  incumbent  upon  you  to 
use  your  utmost  exertions  also  for  the  removal  of  any  stumbling  block  of 
offence  which  may  possibly  prove  an  obstacle  to  the  success  of  it.  We 
therefore  most  earnestly  exhort  you,  that  previously  t'o  the  time  of  your 
making  such  subscription,  you  restore  to  its  integrity  the  Apostles'  Creed, 
in  which  you  have  omitted  an  article,  merely,  as  it  seems,  from  misappre 
hension  of  the  sense  in  which  it  is  understood  by  our  Church ;  nor  can  we 
help  adding,  that  we  hope  you  will  think  it  but  a  decent  proof  of  the  at 
tachment  which  you  profess  to  the  services  of  our  Liturgy,  to  give  to  the 
other  two  Creeds  a  place  in  your  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  even  tho' 
the  use  of  them  should  be  left  discretional.  We  should  be  inexcusable, 
too,  if,  at  the  time  when  you  are  requesting  the  establishment  of  Bishops 
in  your  Church,  we  did  not  strongly  represent  to  you  that  the  Eighth  Ar 
ticle  of  your  Ecclesiastical  Constitution  appears  to  us  to  be  a  degradation 
of  the  Clerical,  and  still  more  of  the  Episcopal  character.  We  persuade 
ourselves,  that  in  your  ensuing  Convention  some  alteration  will  be  thought 
•  necessary  in  this  article,  before  this  reaches  you ;  or,  if  not,  that  due  at 
tention  will  be  given  to  it  in  consequence  of  our  representation. 

On  the  third  and  last  head,  which  respects  purity  of  manners,  the  re 
putation  of  the  Church,  both  in  England  and  America,  and  the  interest  of 
our  common  Christianity  is  so  deeply  concerned  in  it,  that  we  feel  it  our  in- 
dispensible  duty  to  provide,  on  this  subject,  the  most  effectual  securities. 
It  is  presumed,  that  the  same  previous  public  notice  of  the  intention  of 
the  person  to  be  consecrated,  will  be  given  in  the  Church  where  he  re 
sides  in  America,  for  the  same  reasons,  and  therefore  nearly  in  the  same 
form, with  that  used  in  England  before  our  Ordinations.  The  call  upon 


54       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1786. 

the  persons  present  at  the  time  of  consecration,  must  be  deemed  of  little 
use  before  a  congregation  composed  of  those  to  whom  the  person  to  be 
consecrated  is  unknown.  The  testimonials  signed  by  persons  living  in 
England  admit  of  reference  and  examination,  and  the  characters  of 
those  who  give  them  are  subject  to  scrutiny,  and  in  cases  of  criminal  de- 
ceitito  punishment.  In  proportion  as  these  circumstances  are  less  ap 
plicable  to  testimonials  from  America,  those  testimonials  must  be  more 
explicit,  and  supported  by  a  greater  number  of  signatures.  We  there 
fore  think  it  necessary  that  the  several  persons,  candidates  for  Episcopal 
consecration,  should  bring  to  us,  both  a  testimonial  from  the  General 
Convention  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  with  as  many  signatures  as 
can  be  obtained,  and  a  more  particular  one,  from  the  respective  Con 
ventions  in  those  States  which  recommend  them.  It  will  appear  from 
the  tenor  of  the  Letters  Testimonial  used  in  England,  a  form  of  which  is 
annexed,  that  the  ministers  who  sign  them  bear  testimony  to  the  qualifi 
cations  of  the  candidates  on  their  own  personal  knowledge.  Such  a  tes 
timony  is  not  to  be  expected  from  the  members  of  the  General  Conven 
tion  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  America  on  this  occasion.  We  think  it 
sufficient,  therefore,  that  they  declare  they  know  no  impediment,  but  be 
lieve  the  person  to  be  consecrated  is  of  a  virtuous  life  and  sound  faith; 
we  have  sent  you  such  a  form  as  appears  to  us  proper  to  be  used  for  that 
purpose.  More  specific  declarations  must  be  made  by  the  members  of 
the  Convention  in  each  State  from  which  the  persons  offered  for  conse 
cration  are  respectively  recommended ;  their  personal  knowledge  of  them 
there  can  be  no  doubt  of;  we  trust,  therefore,  they  will  have  no  objection 
to  the  adoption  of  the  form  of  a  testimonial  which  is  annexed,  and  drawn 
upon  the  same  principles,  and  containing  the  same  attestations  of  per 
sonal  knowledge  with  that  above  mentioned,  as  required  previously  to 
our  Ordinations:  we  trust  we  shall  receive  these  testimonials  signed  by 
such  a  majority  in  each  Convention  that  recommend,  as  to  leave  no 
doubt  of  the  fitness  of  the  candidates  upon  the  minds  of  those  whose 
consciences  are  concerned  in  the  consecration  of  them. 

Thus  much  we  have  thought  it  right  to  communicate  to  you,  without 
reserve,  at  present,  intending  to  give  you  farther  information  as  soon  as 
we  are  able.  In  the  mean  time,  we  pray  God  to  direct  your  counsels  in 
this  very  weighty  matter,  and  are, 

Mr.  President  and  gentlemen, 

Your  affectionate  Brethren, 

J.  CANTUAE. 
W.  EBOR. 


Form  of  a  Testimonial  for  Priests'  Orders,  in  England. 

To  the  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God, ,  by  Divine  permission 

Lord  Bishop  of . 

We,  whose  names  are  hereunder  written,  testify,  from  our  personal 
knowledge  of  the  life  and  behaviour  of  A.  B.  for  the  space  of  three  years 
last  past,  that  he  hath  during  that  time  lived  piously,  soberly,  and  hon 
estly:  Nor  hath  he  at  any  time,  as  far  as  we  know  or  believe,  written, 
taught,  or  held,  any  thing  contrary  to  the  doctrine  or  discipline  of  the 
Church  of  England.  And,  moreover,  we  think  him  a  person  worthy  to 
be  admitted  to  the  sacred  order  of  Priest.  In  witness  whereof  we  have 
hereunto  set  our  hands.  Dated  the  .  .  .  day  of  ...  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  .  .  . 


1786.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       55 

Testimony  from  the  General  Convention. 

We  whose  names  are  underwritten,  fully  sensible  how  important  it  is 
that  the  sacred  office  of  a  Bishop  should  not  be  unworthily  conferred,  and 
firmly  persuaded  that  it  is  our  duty  to  bear  our  testimony  on  this  solemn 
occasion  without  partiality  or  affection,  do,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty 
God,  testify  that  A.  B.  is  not,  so  far  as  we  are  informed,  justly  liable  to 
evil  report  either  for  error  in  religion  or  for  viciousness  of  life ;  and  that 
we  do  not  know  or  believe  there  is  any  impediment  or  notable  crime,  on 
account  of  which  he  ought  not  to  be  consecrated  to  that  holy  office,  but 
that  he  hath  led  his  life,  for  the  three  years  last  past,  piously,  soberly,  and 
honestly. 


Testimony  from  the  Members  of  the  Convention  in  the  State 
from  whence  the  person  is  recommended  for  Consecration. 

We  whose  names  are  underwritten,  fully  sensible  hftw  important  it  is, 
that  the  sacred  office  of  a  Bishop  should  not  be  unworthily  conferred, 
and  firmly  persuaded  that  it  is  our  duty  to  bear  testimony  on  this  solemn 
occasion  without  partiality  or  affection,  do,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty 
God,  testify  that  A.  B.  is  not,  so  far  as  we  are  informed,  justly  liable  to 
evil  report,  either  for  error  in  religion  or  for  viciousness  of  life ;  and  that 
we  do  not  know  or  believe  there  is  any  impediment  or  notable  crime  for 
which  he  ought  not  to  be  consecrated  to  that  holy  office.  We  do,  more 
over,  jointly  and  severally  declare  that,  having  personally  known  him  for 
three  years  last  past,  we  do  in  our  consciences  believe  him  to  be  of  such 
sufficiency  in  good  learning,  such  soundness  in  the  faith,  and  of  such 
virtuous  and  pure  manners  and  godly  conversation,  that  he  is  apt  and 
meet  to  exercise  the  Office  of  a  Bishop,  to  the  honour  of  God  and  the 
edifying  of  his  Church,  and  to  be  an  wholesome  example  to  the  flock  of 
Christ. 


TO  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION, 
ETC.,  ETC. 

CANTERBURY,  JULY  4iH,  1786. 
GENTLEMEN: 

The  enclosed  Act, being  now  passed,  I  have  the  satisfaction  of  commu 
nicating  it  to  you.  It  is  accompanied  by  a  copy  of  a  letter,  and  some 
forms  of  testimonials,  which  I  sent  you  by  the  packet  of  last  month.  It 
is  the  opinion  here,  that  no  more  than  three  Bishops  should  be  conse 
crated  for  the  United  States  of  America,  who  may  consecrate  others  at 
their  return,  if  more  be  found  necessary.  But  whether  we  can  conse 
crate  any  or  not,  must  yet  depend  on  the  answers. we  may  receive, to  what 
we  have  written. 

I  am  your  humble  servant, 

J.  CANTUAR. 


56       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1786. 

" An  Act  to  empower  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  or  the 
Archbishop  of  York,  for  the  time  being,  to  consecrate  to 
the  Office  of  a  Bishop,  Persons,  being  Subjects  or  Citi 
zens  of  Countries  out  of  His  Majesty's  dominions. 

Whereas,  by  the  laws  of  this  realm,  no  person  can  be  consecrated  to 
the  Office  of  a  Bishop, without  the  King's  licence  for  his  election  to  that 
office,  and  the  Royal  mandate  under  the  Great  Seal  for  his  confirmation 
and  consecration ;  and  whereas  every  person  who  shall  be  consecrated  to 
the  said  office  is  required  to  take  the  oaths  of  allegiance  and  supremacy, 
and  also  the  oath  of  due  obedience  to  the  Archbishop :  And  whereas 
there  are  divers  persons,  subjects  or  citizens  of  countries  out  of  his  Ma- 
iesty's  dominions,  inhabiting  and  residing  within  the  said  countries,  who 
profess  the  publick  worship  of  Almighty  God  according  to  the  principles 
of  the  Church  of  England,  and  who,  in  order  to  provide  a  regular  suc 
cession  of  Ministers  tor  the  service  of  their  Church,  are  desirous  of  hav 
ing  certain  of  the  subjects  or  citizens  of  those  countries  consecrated 
Bishops,  according  to  the  form  of  consecration  in  the  Church  of  England : 
Be  it  enacted  by  the  King's  most  excellent  Majesty,  by  and  with  the  ad 
vice  and  consent  of  the  Lords  Spiritual  and  Temporal  and  Commons  in 
this  present  Parliament  assembled,  and  by  the  authority  of  the  same,  that 
from  and  after  the  passing  of  this  Act,  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to  and 
for  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  or  the  Archbishop  of  York  for  the  time 
being,  together  with  such  other  Bishops  as  they  shall  call  to  their  assist 
ance,  to  consecrate  persons  being  subjects  or  citizens  of  countries  out  of 
his  Majesty's  dominions,  Bishops  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  without  the 
King's  licence  for  their  election,  or  the  Royal  mandate  under  the  great 
Seal  for  their  confirmation  and  consecration,  and  without  requiring  them 
to  take  the  oaths  of  allegiance  and  supremacy,  and  the  oath  of  due  obe 
dience  to  the  Archbishop  for  the  time  being.  Provided  always,  that  no 
persons  shall  be  consecrated  Bishops  in  the  manner  herein  provided,  un 
til  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury  or  the  Archbishop  of  York,  for  the 
time  being,  shall  have  first  applied  for  and  obtained  his  Majesty's  licence, 
by  warrant  under  his  Royal  signet  and  sign  manual,  authorizing  and  em 
powering  him  to  perform  such  consecration,  and  expressing  the  name  or 
names  of  the  persons  so  to  be  consecrated ;  nor  until  the  said  Archbishop 
has  been  fully  ascertained  of  their  sufficiency  in  good  learning,  of  the 
soundness  of  their  faith,  and  of  the  purity  of  their  manners.  Provided 
also,  and  be  it  hereby  declared,  that  no  person  or  persons  consecrated  to 
the  office  of  a  Bishop  in  the  manner  aforesaid,  nor  any  person  or  persons 
deriving  their  consecration  from  or  under  any  Bishop  so  consecrated,  nor 
any  person  or  persons  admitted  to  the  Order  of  Deacon  or  Priest  by  any 
Bishop  or  Bishops  so  consecrated,  or  by  the  successor  or  successors  of 
any  Bishop  or  Bishops  so  consecrated,  shall  be  thereby  enabled  to  exer 
cise  his  or  their  respctive  office  or  offices  within  his  Majesty's  dominions. 
Provided  always,  and  be  it  further  enacted,  that  a  certificate  of  such  con 
secration  shall  be  given  under  the  hand  and  seal  of  the  Archbishop  who 
consecrates,  containing  the  name  of  the  person  so  consecrated,  with  the 
addition  as  well  of  the  country  whereof  he  is  a  subject  or  citizen,  as  of 
the  Church  in  which  he  is  appointed  Bishop,  and  the  farther  description 
of  his  not  having  taken  the  said  oaths,  being  exempted  from  the  obliga 
tion  of  so  doing  by  virtue  of  this  Act." 


1786.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       57 

Resolved, — That  a  Committee  be  now  appointed,  to  take 
into  consideration  the  letters  and  papers  read,  and  to  report 
thereon. 

Resolved, — That  this  Committee  shall  consist  of  a  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputy  from  each  State. 

Whereupon  the  following  gentlemen  were  appointed: — 

NEW  YORK — The  Rev.  Dr.  Provost,  James  Duane,  Esq. 

NEW  JERSEY — The  Rev.  Uzal  Ogden,  Henry  Waddel,  Esq. 

PENNSYLVANIA — The  Rev.  Dr.  White,  Samuel  Powel,  Esq. 

DELAWARE — The  Rev.  Sydenham  Thorne,  Isaac  Gran- 
tham,  Esq. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA — The  Rev.  Robert  Smith,  John  Rut- 
ledge,  Esq. 

From  MARYLAND — The  Rev.  Dr.  Smith. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned,  to  meet  at  8  o'clock  to 
morrow  morning. 


WEDNESDAY,  October  llth,  1786. 

The  Convention  met,  and  after  some  time  adjourned  to  the 
Swedes  Church,  to  attend  Divine  Service,  read  by  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Provost,  and  a  Sermon  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw. 

After  Sermon,  returned  to  the  Academy  Hall,  and  entered 
on  business. 

It  was  movedj  and  seconded,  to  proceed  to  the  election  of 
a  President.  The  ballots  being  taken,  it  appeared  that  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Provost  was  unanimously  elected  President. 

A  question  was  then  proposed  and  seconded,  viz.,  whether 
this  Convention  hath  authority  to  admit  as  members  persons 
deriving  their  appointment,  not  from  a  State  Convention,  but 
from  a  particular  parish  or  parishes  only. 

On  the  question  being  put,  it  was  determined  in  the  neg 
ative. 

Another  question  was  then  proposed  and  seconded,  viz., 
whether  this  Convention  can,  consistently  with  its  funda 
mental  articles,  admit  a  State  to  be  represented  by  a  Clerical 
or  Lay  Deputy  only.  Which  was  also  determined  in  the 
negative. 

The  Committee  appointed  last  evening,  to  take  into  con 
sideration  the  matters  contained  in  the  letters  from  the  Arch 
bishops  of  England,  delivered  in  their  Report;  which,  after 
mature  delberation  and  some  amendments,  was  agreed  to, 


58       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1786. 

and  established  as  an  Act  of  this  Corporation,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  viz. : 

An  Act  of  the  Geneial  Convention  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  in  the  States 
of  New- York,  New- Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  and 
South  Carolina,  held  at  Wilmington,  in  the  State  of  Del- 
invare,  on  Wednesday,  the  llth  of  October,  1786. 

Whereas,  at  a  General  Convention  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  sundry  of  the  United  States  of  America, 
viz.,  New -York,  New- Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland,  Vir 
ginia,  and  South  Carolina,  holden  at  the  City  of  Philadelphia,  on  the 
Tuesday  before  the  Feast  of  St.  Michael,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1785, 
and  divers  subsequent  days,  it  was  agreed  and  declared,  that  "  The  Book 
of  Common  Prayer  and  Administration  of  the  Sacraments  and  other 
itites  and  Ceremonies  of  the  Church,  according  to  the  use  of  the  Church 
of  England,"  should  be  continued  to  be  used  by  this  Church,  as  the  same 
was  altered  by  the  said  Convention,  in  a  certain  instrument  of  writing, 
passed  by  their  authority,  intituled  "  Alterations  of  the  Liturgy  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  in  order 
to  render  the  same  conformable  to  the  American  Revolution  and  the  Con 
stitutions  of  the  respective  States."  And  it  was  further  agreed  and  de 
clared,  that  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  and  Administration  of  the  Sa 
craments  and  other  Rites  and  Ceremonies  of  the  Church,  according  to 
the  use  of  the  Church  of  England,  as  altered  by  an  instrument  of  writ 
ing  passed  under  the  authority  of  the  aforesaid  Convention,  intituled, 
"  Alterations  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  and  Administration  of  the 
Sacraments  and  other  Rites  and  Ceremonies  of  the  Church,  according  to 
the  use  of  the  Church  of  England,  proposed  and  recommended  to  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,in  the  United  States  of  America,  should  be 
used  in  this  Church,  when  the  same  should  have  been  ratified  by  the  Con 
ventions  which  had  respectively  sent  deputies  to  the  said  General  Con 
vention."  And  thereupon  the  said  Convention,  anxious  to  compleat  their 
Episcopal  system  by  means  of  the  Church  of  England,  did  subscribe  and 
transmit  an  address  to  the  Most  Reverend  and  Right  Reverend  the  Arch 
bishops  of  Canterbury  and  York,  and  the  Bishops  of  the  Church  of 
England,  earnestly  entreating  that  venerable  body  to  confer  the  Epis 
copal  character  on  such  persons  as  should  be  recommended  by  this 
Church  in  the  several  States  so  represented. 

And  whereas, the  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  of  this  Church  have  re 
ceived  the  most  friendly  and  affectionate  letters,  in  answer  to  the  said 
address,  from  the  said  Archbishops  and  Bishops,  opening  a  fair  prospect 
of  the  success  of  their  said  applications,  but  at  the  same  time  earnestly 
exhorting  this  Convention  to  use  their  utmost  exertions  for  the  removal 
of  certain  objections  by  them  made,  against  some  parts  of  the  alterations 
in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  and  Rites  and  Ceremonies  of  this  Church 
last  mentioned.  In  pursuance  whereof,  this  present  General  Convention 
halh  been  called  and  is  now  assembled :  and  being  sincerely  desirous  to 
give  every  satisfaction  to  their  Lordships  which  will  be  consistent  with 
the  union  and  general  content  of  the  Church  they  represent,  and  declar 
ing  their  steadfast  resolution  to  maintain  the  same  essential  Articles  of 
Faith  and  Discipline  with  the  Church  of  England: 

Now,  therefore,  the  said  Deputies  do  hereby  determine  and  declare  • 


1786.] 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       59 


First, — That  in  the  Creed  commonly  called  the  Apostles'  Creed,  these 
words,  "  He  descended  into  Hell,"  shall  be  and  continue  a  part  of  that 
Creed. 

Secondly, — That  the  Nicene  Creed  shall  also  be  inserted  in  the  said 
Book  of  Common  Prayer,  immediately  after  the  Apostles'  Creed,  prefaced 
with  the  Rubrick  (or  this). 

And  whereas, — In  consequence  of  the  objections  expressed  by  their 
Lordships  to  the  alterations  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  last  men? 
tioued,  the  Conventions  in  some  of  the  States  represented  in  this  General 
Convention  have  suspended  the  ratification  and  use  of  the  said  Book  of 
Common  Prayer,  by  reason  whereof  it  will  be  improper  that  persons  to 
be  consecrated  or  ordained  as  Bishops,  Priests,  or  Deacons  respectively, 
should  subscribe  the  declaration  contained  in  the  Tenth  Article  of  the 
General  Ecclesiastical  Constitution,  without  some  modification: 

Therefore  it  is  hereby  determined  and  declared, 

Thirdly, — That  the  second  clause  so  to  be  subscribed  by  a  Bishop, 
Priest,  or  Deacon  of  this  Church,  in  any  of  the  States  which  have  not  al 
ready  ratified  or  used  the  last  mentioned  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  shall 
be  in  the  words  following :  "  And  I  do  solemnly  engage  to  conform  to  the 
doctrine  and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  according  to 
the  use  of  the  Church  of  England,  as  the  same  is  alter^l  by  the  General 
Convention,  in  a  certain  instrument  of  writing  passed  by  their  authority, 
intituled,  '  Alterations  of  the  Liturgy  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  United  States  of  America,  in  order  to  render  the  same  conform 
able  to  the  American  Revolution  and  the  Constitutions  of  the  respective 
States,'  until  the  new  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  recommended  by  the 
General  Convention,  shall  be  ratified  or  used  in  the  State  in  which  I  am 
— (Bishop,  Priest,  or  Deacon,  as  the  case  may  be) — by  the  authority  of 
the  Convention  thereof.  And  I  do  further  solemnly  engage,  that  when 
the  said  new  Book  of  Common  Prayer  shall  be  ratified  or  used  by  the 
authority  of  the  Convention  in  the  State  for  which  I  am  consecrated  a 
Bishop — (or  ordained  a  Priest  or  Deacon) — I  will  conform  to  the  doc 
trines  and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  as  settled  and  de 
termined  in  the  last  mentioned  Book  of  Common  Prayer  and  Adminis 
tration  of  the  Sacraments,  set  forth  by  the  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States." 

And  it  is  hereby  farther  determined  and  declared, 

That  these  words  in  the  Preface  to  the  new  proposed  Book  of  Common 
Prayer,  viz.,  "  In  the  Creed,  commonly  called  '  the  Apostles'  Creed,'  one 
clause  is  omitted,  as  being  of  uncertain  meaning,  and" — together  with  the 
note  referred  to  in  that  place,  be.from  henceforth,  no  part  of  the  Preface 
to  the  said  proposed  Book  of  Common  Prayer. 

And  it  is  hereby  further  determined  and  declared, 

That  the  Fourth  Article  of  Religion  in  the  new  proposed  Book  of  Com 
mon  Prayer,  be  altered  to  render  it  conformable  to  the  adoption  of  the 
Nicene  Creed,  as  follows :  "  Of  the  Creeds.  The  two  Creeds,  namely, 
that  commonly  called  the  Apostles'  Creed  and  the  Nicene  Creed,  ought 
to  be  received  and  believed,  because  they,!'  etc.,  etc. 

Done  in  General  Convention,  at  Wilmington,  in  the  State  of 
Delaware,  the  day  and  year  first  aforesaid. 

The  first  question  taken  on  the  Report  Of  the  Committee 
•was,  whether  the  words,  "He  descended  into  Hell,"  should  be 
restored  in  the  Apostles'  Creed. 


60  JOURNAL   OF   THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.         [1786. 

When,  the  Ayes  and  Nays  being  called  for,  the  votes  were 
as  follow: 

NKW  YORK. — Dr.  Provost,  Aye;  Mr.  Duane,  Aye;  Mr.  Rutherford,  No 
— Divided. 

NEW  JERSEY. — Rev.  Mr.  Ogden,  Aye;  Rev.  Mr.  Frazer,  Aye;  Mr.  Wal 
lace.  Aye;  Mr.  Cox,  No;  Mr.  Waddel,  Aye. — Aye. 

PBXXSYLVAHIA, — Dr.  White,  Aye;  Dr.  Magaw,  Aye;  Mr.  Blackwell, 
A\  :  Mr.  Hopkinson,  No;  Mr.  Powel,  No;  Mr.  Gilpin,  No. — Divided. 

DELAWARE. — Dr.  Wharton,  No;  Rev.  Mr.  Thome,  Aye;  Mr.  Sykes, 
Aye;  Mr.  Grantham,  No. — Divided. 

Sorrn  CAROLINA. — Rev.  Mr.  R.  Smith,  Aye;  Mr.  Rutledge,  Aye. — 
Aye. 

And  so  the  words  are  to  be  restored,  there  being  two  Ayes 
and  no  Negative. 

On  the  question,  Shall  the  Nicene  Creed  be  restored  in  the 
Liturgy?  the  same  was  unanimously  agreed  to. 

Adjourned  to  6  o'clock  in  the  evening. 

WEDNESDAY  EVENING,  6  o'clock. 

A  6  o'clock  the  Convention  met. 

On  the  question,  Shall  the  Creed  commonly  called  the 
Athanasian  Creed,  be  admitted  in  the  Liturgy  of  the  Pro 
testant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America? 

The  Ayes  and  Nays  being  taken,  were  as  follow : 

NEW  YORK. — Dr.  Provost,  No;  Mr.  Duane,  No;  Mr.  Rutherford,  No. 
— X;ty. 

XK\V  JERSEY. — Rev.  Mr.  Ogden,  No;  Rev.  Mr.  Frazer,  No;  Mr.  Cox, 
No ;  Mr.  Wallace,  Aye ;  Mr.  Waddel,  Aye. — Divided. 

PENNSYLVANIA. — Dr.  White,  No ;  Dr.  Magaw,  No ;  Rev.  Mr.  Blackwell, 
No ;  Mr.  Hopkin  jon,  No  ;  Mr.  Powel,  No ;  Mr.  Gilpin,  No. — Nay. 

DELAWARE. — Dr.  Wharton,  No;  Rev.  Mr.  Thome,  Aye;  Mr.  Sykes, 
No;  Mr.  Grantham,  No. — Divided. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. — Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  No ;  Mr.  Rutledge,  No. — Nay. 

And  so  it  was  determined  in  the  negative. 

On  the  question,  Shall  the  Eighth  Article  of  the  Ecclesi 
astical  Constitution  remain  as  proposed  and  published  by  the 
late  Convention?  it  was  unanimously  determined  in  the  af 
firmative. 

Resolved, — That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Convention,  it  is 
proper  for  those  gentlemen,  who  shall  proceed  from  any  of 
these  States  for  England,  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  Epis 
copal  consecration,  first  to  subscribe  either  the  form  directed 


1786.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       Cl 

in  the  Tenth  Article  of  the  proposed  Ecclesiastical  Consti 
tution  or  else  the  form  directed  in  the  Act  or  Instru 
ment  now  passed  by  this  Convention ;  and  that  they  respec 
tively  lodge  their  subscriptions  with  the  Secretary,  taking 
from  him  a  certificate  of  their  having  so  done. 

Resolved, — That  the  Secretary  be  desired  to  transmit  a 
copy  of  the  proceedings  of  this  Convention  to  the  Standing 
Committees  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  States 
of  Maryland  and  Virginia,  with  the  affectionate  hope  of  this 
body,  that  their  brethren  of  the  said  States,  after  duly  con 
sidering  the  principles  on  which  these  proceedings  have  been 
held,  will  approve  and  adopt  the  same. 

It  was  moved  and  seconded,  that  a  Committee  be  appointed 
to  draft  a  letter  from  this  Convention,  to  the  Archbishops  of 
England,  in  answer  to  their  late  letters. 

And  the  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  accordingly 
— Dr.  Smith,  Dr.  White,  and  Dr.  Wharton. 

This  Committee  retired,  and  after  some  time  returned  and 
reported  a  letter,  which,  after  a  few  amendments,  was  agreed 
to  as  follows: 

TO  THE  ARCHBISHOPS  OF  CANTERBURY  AND  YORK. 

MOST  WORTHY  AND  VENERABLE  PRELATES: 

In  pursuance  of  your  Graces'  communications  to  the  Standing  Com 
mittee  of  our  Church,  received  by  the  June  packet,  and  the  letter  of  his 
Grace  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury  of  July  the  fourth,  enclosing  the  Act 
of  Parliament  "  to  empower  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  or  the  Arch 
bishop  of  York,  for  the  time  being,  to  consecrate  to  the  office  of  a  Bishop, 
persons  being  subjects  or  citizens  of  countries  out  of  his  Majesty's  do 
minions,"  a  General  Convention,  now  sitting,  have  the  honour  of  offering 
their  unanimous  and  hearty  thanks  for  the  continuance  of  your  Christian 
attention  to  this  Church,  and  particularly  for  your  having  so  speedily  ac 
quired  a  legal  capacity  of  complying  with  the  prayer  of  our  former  ad 
dresses. 

We  have  taken  into  our  most  serious  and  deliberate  consideration  the 
several  matters  so  affectionately  recommended  to  us  in  those  communi 
cations,  and  whatever  could  be  done  towards  a  compliance  with  your  fa 
therly  wishes  and  advice,  consistently  with  our  local  circumstances,  and 
the  peace  and  unity  of  our  Church,  hath  been  agreed  to,  as,  we  trust,  will 
appear  from  the  enclosed  Act  of  our  Convention,  which  we  have  the  honour 
to  transmit  to  you,  together  with  the  Journal  of  our  proceedings. 
We  are,  with  great  and  sincere  respect, 

Most  worthy  and  venerable  Prelates, 

Your  obedient  and  very  humble  servants. 
(By  order)  SAMUEL  PROVOST,  PRESIDENT. 

IN  GENERAL  CONVENTION: 
At  Wilmington,  in  the  State  of  Delaware, 
October  11,  1Y86. 


62       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1786. 

The  above  letter  being  fairly  copied,  was  signed  by  the 
President  in  behalf  of  the  Convention. 

On  motion,  the  States  were  respectively  called  upon  to 
know  if,  in  their  several  Conventions,  any  person  had  been 
elected  and  recommended  for  Episcopal  consecration;  when 
it  appeared  that  the  Convention  of  New  York  had  elected 
and  recommended  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Provost  to  that  office. 

The  members  present  then  proceeded  to  sign  his  testimo 
nials  in  the  form  prescribed  by  the  Archbishops  of  England 
for  the  General  Convention. 

The  Convention  of  Pennsylvania  had  elected  and  recom 
mended  the  Rev.  Dr.  William  White,  and  his  testimonials 
were  in  like  manner  signed  by  the  members  present. 

It  appeared  also,  that  the  Convention  of  Virginia  had 
elected  and  recommended  the  Rev.  Dr.  David  Griffith,  and 
his  testimonials  were  accordingly  signed. 

Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  be  given 
to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw  for  his  Sermon  this  forenoon ;  to  the 
President  for  his  impartial  and  judicious  conduct;  and  to  the 
Secretary  for  his  attention  and  services. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Provost,  President,  Rev. 
Dr.  Smith,  Rev.  Dr.  White,  Rev.  Dr.  Griffith,  Hon.  John 
Jay,  Hon.  James  Duane,  Hon.  Francis  Hopkinson,  and 
Samuel  Powel,  Esq.,  be  the  Committee  of  Correspondence; 
and  that  they  have  power  to  call  a  General  Convention  of 
the  Church,  to  meet  at  Philadelphia,  whenever  a  majority  of 
the  said  Committee  shall  think  it  necessary. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Provost  be  requested  to 
preach  before  the  Convention,  at  their  next  meeting. 

Adjourned,  sine  die. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  Convention, 

SAMUEL  PROVOST.  PRESIDENT. 
FKANCIS  HOPKINSON,  Secretary. 


JOURNAL  OF  A  CONVENTION 


OF    THE 


CjljurrI} 


THE  STATES  OF 


New-  York,  New-  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland, 
Virginia,  and  South-Carolina, 


HELD    IN 


CHRIST    CHURCH,   PHILADELPHIA. 


FROM 


JULY  28TH  TO  AUGUST  STH,  1789. 

(63) 


LIST  OF  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  CONVENTION. 


The  Right  Rev.  "William  "White,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  and  President  of  the  Convention. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW -YORK. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Beach,  D.D. 
The  Rev.  Benjamin  Moore,  D.D. 
Mr.  Moses  Rogers. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW -JERSEY. 

The  Rev.  William  Frazer. 
The  Rev.  Uzal  Ogden. 
The  Rev.  Henry  Waddel. 
The  Rev.  George  H.  Spieren. 
John  Cox,  Esq. 
Robert  Strettel  Jones,  Esq. 
Samuel  Ogden,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Magaw,  D.D. 
The  Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.D. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Pilmore\ 
The  Rev.  Joseph  G.  J.  Bend. 
The  Hon.  Francis  Hopkinson. 
Samuel  Powel,  Esq. 
Dr.  Gerardus  Clarkson. 
Tench  Coxe,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  DELAWARE. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Couden. 
The  Rev.  Stephen  Sykes. 
James  Sykes,  Esq. 
Thomas  Duff,  Esq. 
Mr.  Philip  Reading. 

5  (65) 


66  LIST   OF   MEMBERS.  [1789. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  MARYLAND. 

The  Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  John  Claggett,  D.D. 

The  Rev.  Colin  Ferguson,  D.D. 

The  Rev.  John  Bisset. 

Richard  B.  Carmichael,  Esq. 

Dr.  William  Frisby. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  VIRGINIA. 
Robert  Andrews,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Smith. 
William  Ward  Burrows,  Esq. 
William  Brisbane,  Esq. 


JOURNAL. 


IK  IVf !  i+it  T  TUESDAY,  July  28th,  1T89. 

\M  1 1  I  l?l  U>J?   and  Lay  Deputies   from  several  of   the 

f     States  assembled;  and  judging  it  proper  to  wait  the 
arrival  of  the  Deputies  from  the  other  States, 
Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


WEDNESDAY,  July  29th,  1789. 

The  Convention  met. 

The  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White,  President,  ex  officio. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Claggett  read  prayers. 

The  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Provost,  who  was  to  have  preached 
on  the  opening  of  the  Convention,  being  absent  through  in 
disposition,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  preached,  agreeably  to  re 
quest  made  yesterday. 

The  Hon.  Mr.  Hopkinson  was  unanimously  chosen  Secre 
tary,  but  being  indisposed,  Mr.  Tench  Coxe  was  requested 
to  officiate. 

Ordered,  that  the  members  present  produce  the  testimo 
nials  of  their  respective  appointments,  which  being  produced, 
were  read,  and  deemed  satisfactory. 

Mr.  Andrews,  Lay  Deputy  from  Virginia,  informed  the 
Convention,  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Griffith,  the  Clerical  Delegate 
from  the  said  State,  was  in  town,  but  detained  by  sickness 
from  the  Convention. 

A  certificate  of  the  consecration  of  the  Right  Rev.  Wil 
liam  White,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  and  the  Right  Rev.  Samuel 
Provost,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  said  Church  in  the  State  of  New 
York,  signed  by  Robert  Jenner,  Notary  Public,  and  dated 
February  4,  1787,  was  produced  and  read;  also  a  certifi- 

(67) 


68       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1789. 

cate  of  the  consecration  of  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White,  signed 
by  his  Grace  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  and  counter 
signed  by  his  Grace  the  Archbishop  of  York,  and  the  Right 
Rev.  the  Bishops  of  Bath  and  Wells  and  of  Peterborough. 

Mr.  Andrews  communicated  to  the  Convention  the  follow 
ing  extract  from  the  Minutes  of  the  Convention  of  this 
Church  in  the  State  of  Virginia. 

"Ix  COXYEN-TION,  MAY  8,  1789. 

"  Resolved, — That  the  Deputies  appointed  to  attend  the  next  General 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  be  desired  to  notify  to 
the  next  General  Convention,  that  the  Rev.  Ur.  Griffith,  Bishop  elect  of 
the  said  Church  in  this  State,  has  relinquished  the  said  appointment,  and 
that  no  person  has  been  elected  in  his  room." 

A  copy  from  the  Journal  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia,  held  from  May  6  to  May  9, 
1789,  inclusive. 

ROBERT  ANDREWS, 
Secretary  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Convention  in  Virginia. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  Mr.  Hopkinson,  and  Mr.  Andrews, 
were  appointed  a  Committee  to  prepare  Rules  of  Order. 

An  invitation  from  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  to  the 
Convention,  to  attend  a  Commencement,  was  presented  by 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw,  which  was  unanimously  accepted,  and 
the  President  was  requested  to  signify  the  same,  in  writing, 
to  the  Trustees  and  Faculty. 

Adjourned  to  5  o'clock,  P.M. 

WEDNESDAY,  July  29th,  1789,  P.  M. 

The  Convention  met. 

Mr.  Hopkinson  remaining  indisposed,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bend 
was  requested  to  officiate  during  his  indisposition. 

Ordered,  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore, 
and  Mr.  Ogden,  be  a  Committee  to  prepare  an  address  to  the 
President  of  the  United  States. 

On  motion,  ordered,  that  the  Letters  of  Consecration  of 
the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White  and  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Provost, 
and  the  notarial  certificate  thereof,  be  recorded.  (See  Ap 
pendix.) 

Ordered,  that  the  Secretary  procure  a  book  for  recording 
the  Minutes  and  papers  of  the  General  Convention. 

Ordered,  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Beach, 
and  Mr.  Andrews,  be  a  Committee  to  prepare  an  address  of 
thanks  to  the  Most  Reverend  the  Archbishops  of  Canterbury 


1789.]   JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.        69 

and  York  for  their  good  offices  in  procuring  the  consecration 
of  the  American  Bishops. 

The  Deputies  from  the  several  States  being  called  upon  to 
declare  their  powers,  relative  to  the  object  of  the  following 
resolution  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  viz., — "  Re 
solved,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  Conventions  of  this 
Church  in  the  several  States  represented  in  this  Convention, 
that  they  authorise  and  empower  their  Deputies  to  the  next 
General  Convention,  after  we  shall  have  obtained  a  Bishop 
or  Bishops  in  our  Church,  to  confirm  and  ratify  a  General 
Constitution,  respecting  both  the  doctrine  and  discipline  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America," — gave  information  that  they  came  fully  authorised 
to  ratify  a  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  etc.,  for  the  use  of  the 
Church. 

Ordered,  that  the  Journal  of  the  last  General  Convention 
be  read,  and  that  a  copy  of  the  Journals  of  the  Convention 
be  procured  for  each  member. 

Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  be  given 
to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  for  his  Sermon,  and  that  he  be  re 
quested  to  publish  the  same. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


THURSDAY,  July  30th,  1789. 

The  Convention  met. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Beach  read  prayers. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Sykes,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Couden,  James  Sykes, 
and  Thomas  Duff,  Esquires,  Deputies  from  Delaware,  pro 
duced  the  credentials  of  their  appointment,  which  being  read 
and  approved,  they  took  their  seats  in  the  Convention. 

The  aforesaid  Deputies  were  requested  to  state  their  pow 
ers  relative  to  the  ratification  of  a  Book  of  Common  Prayer, 
etc.,  which  were  deemed  sufficient. 

The  Hon.  Mr.  Hopkinson,  a  Deputy  for  Pennsylvania,  took 
his  seat  in  Convention. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  rules  for  the  orderly 
conduct  of  the  Convention,  reported  the  same,  which  were 
adopted. 

On  motion,  ordered,  that  a  Committee,  consisting  of  a 
Deputy  from  each  State,  be  appointed  to  take  into  consider 
ation  the  proposed  Constitution  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 


70       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1789. 

Church,  and  to  recommend  such  alterations,  additions,  and 
amendments  as  they  shall  think  necessary  and  proper. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  Mr.  Jones,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Black-well, 
Mr.  Sykes,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  Mr.  Andrews,  and  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Smith,  were  appointed  accordingly. 

An  act  of  the  Clergy  of  Massachusetts  and  New  Hampshire, 
recommending  the  Rev.  Edward  Bass  for  consecration,  was 
laid  before  the  Convention  by  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White,  and 
is  as  follows. 

The  good  providence  of  Almighty  God,  the  fountain  of  all  goodness, 
having  lately  blessed  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States 
of  America,  by  supplying  it  with  a  complete  and  entire  Ministry,  and  af 
fording  to  many  of  her  communion  the  benefit  of  the  labours,  advice,  and 
government  of  the  successors  of  the  Apostles : 

We,  Presbyters  of  said  Church  in  the  States  of  Massachusetts  and 
New  Hampshire,  deeply  impressed  with  the  most  lively  gratitude  to  the 
Supreme  Governor  of  the  universe,  for  his  goodness  in  this  respect,  and 
with  the  most  ardent  love  to  his  Church,  and  concern  for  the  interest  of 
her  sons,  that  they  may  enjoy  all  the  means  that  Christ,  the  great  Shep 
herd  and  Bishop  of  souls,  has  instituted  for  leading  his  followers  into  the 
ways  of  truth  and  holiness,  and  preserving  his  Church  in  the  unity  of  the 
spirit  and  the  bond  of  peace; to  the  end  that  the  people  committed  to  our 
respective  charges  may  enjoy  the  benefit  and  advantage  of  those  offices, 
the  administration  of  which  belongs  to  the  highest  Order  of  the  Ministry, 
and  to  encourage  and  promote,  as  far  as  in  us  lies,  a  union  of  the  whole 
Episcopal  Church  in  these  States,  and  to  perfect  and  compact  this  mys 
tical  body  of  Christ,  do  hereby  nominate,  elect  and  appoint,  the  Rev.  Ed 
ward  Bass,  a  Presbyter  of  said  .Church,  and  Rector  of  St.  Paul's,  in  New- 
buryport,  to  be  our  Bishop ;  and  we  do  promise  and  engage  to  receive  him 
as  such,  when  canonically  consecrated,  and  invested  with  the  apostolic 
office  and  powers  by  the  Right  Reverend  the  Bishops  hereafter  named,  and  to 
render  him  all  that  canonical  obedience  and  submission  which,  by  the  laws  of 
Christ,  and  the  constitution  of  our  Church,  is  due  to  so  important  an  office. 
And  we  now  address  the  Right  Reverend  the  Bishops  in  the  States  of 
Connecticut,  New  York,  and  Pennsylvania,  praying  their  united  assist 
ance  in  consecrating  our  said  brother,  and  canonically  investing  him  with 
the  apostolic  office  and  powers.  This  request  we  are  induced  to  make, 
from  a  long  acquaintance  with  him,  and  from  a  perfect  knowledge  of  his 
being  possessed  of  that  love  to  God  and  benevolence  to  men,  that  piety, 
learning,  and  good  morals,  that  prudence  and  discretion,  requisite  to  so 
exalted  a  station,  as  well  as  that  personal  respect  and  attachment  of  the 
communion  at  large  in  these  States,  which  will  make  him  a  valuable  ac 
quisition  to  the  Order,  and,  we  trust,  a  rich  blessing  to  the  Church. 

Done  at  a  meeting  of  the  Presbyters  whose  names  are  underwritten, 
held  at  Salem,  in  the  County  of  Essex,  and  Commonwealth  of  Massachu 
setts,  the  fourth  day  of  June,  Anno  Salutis,  1789. 

SAMUEL  PARKER,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Boston. 

T.  FITCH  OLIVER,  Rector  of  St.  Michael's  Church,  Marblehead. 

JOHN  COUSENS  OGDEN,  Rector  of  Queen's  Chapel,  Portsmouth,  N.H. 

WILLIAM  MONTAGUE,  Minister  of  Christ's  Church,  Boston. 

TILLOTSON  BRUNSON,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ's  Church,  Boston. 
A  true  copy.     Attest:  SAMUEL  PARKER. 


1789.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       71 

At  the  meeting  aforesaid, 

Voted, — That  the  Rev.  Samuel  Parker  be  authorised  and  empowered  to 
transmit  copies  of  the  foregoing  Act,  to  be  by  him  attested,  to  the  Eight 
Reverend  the  Bishops  in  Connecticut,  New  York,  and  Pennsylvania ;  and 
that  he  be  appointed  our  agent,  to  appear  at  any  Convocation  to  be  holdeu 
at  Pennsylvania  or  New  York,  and  to  treat  upon  any  measures  that  may 
tend  to  promote  an  union  of  the  Episcopal  Church  throughout  the  United 
States  of  America,  or  that  may  prove  advantageous  to  the  interests  of 
said  Church. 

EDWARD  BASS,  CHAIRMAN. 

A  true  copy.    Attest:  SAMUEL  PARKER. 

A  letter  was  also  read  from  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Seabury, 
Bishop  of  the  Church  in  Connecticut,  to  the  Right  Rev.  Dr. 
White,  and  one  from  the  same  gentleman  to  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Smith. 

Upon  reading  the  said  letters,  it  appearing  that  Bishop 
Seabury  lay  under  some  misapprehensions  concerning  an 
entry  in  the  Minutes  of  a  former  Convention,  as  intending 
some  doubt  of  the  validity  of  his  consecration, 

Resolved  unanimously, — That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this 
Convention,  that  the  consecration  of  the  Right  Rev.  Dr. 
Seabury  to  the  Episcopal  office  is  valid. 

Mr.  Burrows  obtained  leave  of  absence  for  Thursday. 

Adjourned  to  8  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


FRIDAY,  July  31st,  1789. 

The  Convention  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  read  prayers. 

Dr.  William  Frisby  produced  his  credentials  as  a  Lay  De 
puty  from  the  State  of  Maryland;  which  being  approved, 
he  took  his  seat. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Ferguson,  a  Deputy  from  Maryland,  and 
Mr.  Philip  Reading,  a  Deputy  from  Delaware,  took  their 
seats. 

The  Convention  then  went  in  procession  to  the  German 
Reformed  Church,  in  consequence  of  the  invitation  received 
from  the  Trustees  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  to  at 
tend  the  Commencement. 

FRIDAY,  half-past  1,  P.M. 

The  Convention  having  returned,  they  proceeded  to  bu 
siness. 


72       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1789. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  a  Committee,  consisting  of 
one  Deputy  from  each  State,  be  appointed  to  prepare  a  body 
of  Canons  for  the  government  of  this  Church.  And 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Beach,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ogden,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Pilmore,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Couden,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Claggett,  Mr. 
Andrews,  and  Mr.  Brisbane,  were  appointed  accordingly. 

Resolved, — That  on  Monday  next  this  Convention  will  re 
solve  themselves  into  a  Committee  of  the  whole,  for  the  pur 
pose  of  taking  into  consideration  the  proposed  Book  of  Com 
mon  Prayer  and  Administration  of  the  Sacraments. 

Mr.  Duff  had  leave  of  absence  given  him. 

Resolved, — That  the  application  of  the  Clergy  of  Massa 
chusetts  and  New  Hampshire  to  the  Right  Rev.  Doctors 
Seabury,  Provost,  and  White,  be  considered  to-morrow  in  a 
Committee  of  the  whole. 

Mr.  J.  Cox  and  Mr.  Ogden  obtained  leave  of  absence  from 
Saturday  evening  till  Monday. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow. 


SATURDAY,  August  1st,  1786. 

The  Convention  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Ogden  read  prayers. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  from  the  Committee  appointed  to 
take  into  consideration  the  proposed  Constitution  of  the  Pro 
testant  Episcopal  Church,  and  to  recommend  such  alterations, 
additions,  or  amendments  as  they  shall  think  necessary  ap.d 
proper,  reported  a  Constitution  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  that  the  said  Constitution  be  read. 

Ordered,  that  it  be  read  a  second  time. 

Samuel  Powel,  Esq.,  a  Deputy  from  Pennsylvania,  took 
his  seat  in  the  Convention. 

The  Constitution  was  then  debated  by  paragraphs. 

Resolved, — That  the  1st,  2d,  4th,  5th,  6th,  7th,  and  8th 
articles  be  adopted,  and  stand  in  this  order — 1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6, 
7 ;  that  they  be  a  rule  of  conduct  for  this  Convention ;  and 
that  the  remaining  articles  be  postponed  for  the  future  con« 
sideration  of  this  Convention. 

The  order  for  the  day  being  called,  the  Convention  resolved 
itself  into  a  Committee  of  the  whole,  on  the  application  of 
the  Clergy  of  Massachusetts  and  New  Hampshire  to  the 
Bishops  in  the  States  of  Connecticut,  New  York,  and  Penn 
sylvania. 


1789.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       73 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  was  called  to  the  chair. 

The  Committee  having  made  some  progress  in  their  busi 
ness,  rose,  and  reported  progress,  and  obtained  leave  to  sit 
again. 

Adjourned  to  Monday  morning,  9  o'clock. 


MONDAY,  August  3d,  1789. 

The  Convention  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Waddel  read  prayers. 

The  President  having  informed  the  Convention,  by  mes 
sage,  that  the  melancholy  event  of  the  death  of  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Griffith,  which  happened  at  his  house  this  morning,  ne 
cessarily  detained  him  at  home,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  was 
chosen  President  pro  tempore. 

Ordered,  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith, 
Mr.  Andrews,  and  Mr.  Tench  Coxe,  be  a  Committee  for  set 
tling  the  manner  in  which  the  Convention  shall  attend  the 
funeral  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Griffith. 

The  Committee,  after  an  adjournment  of  a  few  minutes, 
made  the  following  Report : 

Resolved, — That  the  senior  Clergyman  of  the  deputation 
of  each  State,  except  Virginia,  attend  the  funeral  of  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Griffith  as  pall-bearer,  and  that  the  other  members  of 
this  Convention  attend  as  mourners,  and  that  a  Sermon  be 
preached  on  the  occasion. 

Resolved, — That  the  Clergy  of  all  denominations  within 
this  city  be  invited  to  attend  his  funeral. 

This  Report  was  agreed  to,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  was 
appointed  to  preach  the  funeral  Sermon. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  White,  and  Mr.  Andrews,  Lay 
Deputy  from  Virginia,  be  requested  to  walk  as  chief  mourn 
ers,  and  direct  all  other  matters  relative  to  this  melancholy 
event. 

Adjourned  to  Tuesday,  9  o'clock  A.M. 


TUESDAY,  August  4th,  1789. 

The  Convention  met,  and  adjourned  to  the  house  of  their 
President,  to  attend  the  funeral  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Griffith. 

After  the  funeral,  the  Convention  assembled,  and  adjourn 
ed  to  4  o'clock,  P.M. 


74       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1789. 

TUESDAY,  August  4th,  P.  M. 

The  Convention  met. 

On  motion,  resolved  unanimously, — That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  given  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  for  his  Ser 
mon  preached  at  the  funeral  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Griffith,  and 
that  he  be  requested  to  furnish  the  Convention  with  a  copy 
for  publication. 

The  Convention  resolved  itself  into  a  Committee  of  the 
whole,  on  the  application  of  the  Clergy  of  Massachusetts  and 
New  Hampshire. 

The  Committee  having  spent  some  time  on  the  business, 
rose,  and  reported  progress,  and  asked  leave  to  sit  again. 

Dr.  Claggett  having  been  necessarily  obliged  to  leave  the 
Convention,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset  was  appointed,  in  his  stead, 
a  member  of  the  Committee  for  preparing  a  set  of  Canons. 

The  order  for  Monday  being  called  up,  it  was,  on  motion, 
made  the  order  of  the  day  for  Wednesday. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning 


WEDNESDAY,  August  5,  1789. 

The  Convention  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Spieren  read  prayers. 

The  order  of  the  day  being  called  up,  it  was  postponed. 

The  Convention  then  resolved  itself  into  a  Committee  of 
the  whole,  on  the  application  from  the  Clergy  of  Massachu 
setts  and  New  Hampshire. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  in  />rder  to  bring  the  business  before 
them  to  a  conclusion,  offered  the  following  resolves,  viz. : 

"  The  Committee  of  the  whole,  having  had  under  their  de 
liberate  consideration  the  application  of  the  Clergy  of  Mas 
sachusetts  and  New  Hampshire,  for  the  consecration  of  the 
Rev.  Edward  Bass,  as  their  Bishop,  do  offer  to  the  Conven 
tion  the  following  resolves: 

1st.  Resolved, — That  a  complete  Order  of  Bishops,  de 
rived  as  well  under  the  English  as  the  Scots  line  of  Episco 
pacy,  doth  now  subsist  within  the  United  States  of  America, 
in  the  persons  of  the  Right  Rev.  William  White,  D.D., 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of 
Pennsylvania;  the  Right  Rev.  Samuel  Provost,  D.D.,  Bishop 
of  the  said  Church  in  the  State  of  New  York,  and  the  Right 


1789.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       75 

Rev.  Samuel  Seabury,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the  said  Church  in 
the  State  of  Connecticut. 

2d.  Resolved, — That  the  said  three  Bishops  are  fully  com 
petent  to  every  proper  act  and  duty  of  the  Episcopal  office 
and  character  in  these  United  States,  as  well  in  respect  to 
the  consecration  of  other  Bishops,  and  the  ordering  of 
Priests  and  Deacons,  as  for  the  government  of  the  Church, 
according  to  such  rules,  Canons,  and  institutions  as  now  are, 
or  hereafter  may  be  duly  made  and  ordained  by  the  Church 
in  that  case. 

3d.  Resolved, — That  in  Christian  charity,  as  well  as  of 
duty,  necessity,  and  expediency,  the  Churches  represented 
in  this  Convention  ought  to  contribute,  in  every  manner  in 
their  power,  towards  supplying  the  wants,  and  granting  every 
just  and  reasonable  request  of  their  sister  Churches  in  these 
States;  and,  therefore, 

4th,  Resolved, — Tha.t  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White  and  the 
Right  Rev.  Dr.  Provost  be,  and  they  hereby  are  requested  to 
join  with  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Seabury,  in  complying  with  the 
prayer  of  the  Clergy  of  the  States  of  Massachusetts  and 
New  Hampshire,  for  the  consecration  of  the  Rev.  Edward 
Bass,  Bishop  elect  of  the  Churches  in  the  said  States;  but 
that,before  the  said  Bishops  comply  with  the  request  afore 
said,  it  be  proposed  to  the  Churches  in  the  New  England 
States  to  meet  the  Churches  of  these  States,  with  the  said 
three  Bishops,  in  an  adjourned  Convention,  to  settle  certain 
articles  of  union  and  discipline  among  all  the  churches,  pre 
vious  to  such  consecration. 

5th.  Resolved, — That  if  any  difficulty  or  delicacy,  in  re 
spect  to  the  Archbishops  and  Bishops  of  England,  shall  remain 
with  the  Right  Rev.  Drs.  White  and  Provost,  or  either  of  them, 
concerning  their  compliance  with  the  above  request,  this 
Convention  will  address  the  Archbishops  and  Bishops,  and 
hope  thereby  to  remove  the  difficulty. 

These  resolves  were  unanimously  agreed  to  as  the  Report 
of  the  Committee. 

The  Committee  having  finished  the  business  committed  to 
them,  rose,  and  reported  to  the  Convention  the  above  re 
solves. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  seconded  by  Mr.  An 
drews,  this  Report  was  unanimously  agreed  to. 

Ordered, — That  the  different  Committees  appointed  by 
this  Convention,  which  have  not  yet  reported,  be  called  upon 
to  report. 


76  JOURNAL   OF   THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.          [1789. 

The  Committee  for  preparing  an  address  to  the  Most  Re 
verend  the  Archbishops  of  Canterbury  and  York,  informed 
the  Convention  that  they  were  not  yet  ready  to  make  a  final 
report. 

The  Committee  for  preparing  an  address  to  the  President 
of  the  United  States,  reported  that  they  had  not  yet  finished 
the  business  committed  to  their  care. 

Ordered,  that  Mr.  T.  Coxe  be  added  to  the  above  Com 
mittee. 

The  Committee  on  the  Canons  reported  certain  Canons, 
which  were  ordered  to  be  read. 

On  motion,  the  Convention  resolved  themselves  into  a 
Committee  of  the  whole  on  the  said  Canons,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Smith  in  the  chair. 

The  Committee  having  made  some  progress  in  the  business 
committed  to  them,  rose  and  reported,  and  asked  leave  to  sit 
again  to-morrow. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


THURSDAY,  August  6th,  1789. 

The  Convention  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Couden  read  prayers. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw,  Mr. 
Tench  Coxe,  and  Mr.  Jones,  be  a  Committee  to  assist  the 
Secretary  in  revising  and  publishing,  the  Minutes  of  the 
Convention. 

The  Committee  for  preparing  an  address  to  the  President 
of  the  United  States  presented  a  draught,  which  was  then 
read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Convention  then  resolved  themselves  into  a  Committee 
of  the  whole  on  the  Canons. 

The  Committee  having  spent  some  time  on  the  business, 
rose  and  reported. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Report  of  the  Committee 
lie  on  the  table. 

The  address  to  the  President  of  the  United  States  was  then 
read  a  second  time. 

It  was  afterwards  read  by  paragraphs,  and  ordered  to  be 
engrossed  for  signing. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


1789.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       77 

FRIDAY,  August  7th,  1789. 

The  Convention  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Frazer  read  prayers. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  laid  before  the  Convention,  "  Propo 
sals  for  printing,  by  subscription,  a  body  of  Sermons  upon 
the  most  important  branches  of  practical  Christianity,  to 
gether  with  an  address  upon  the  same  subject,"  which  here 

follow. 

PHILADELPHIA,  August  5,  1789. 

TO  THE  RIGHT  REVEREND  AND  REVEREND  THE  CLERGY 
AND  THE  WORTHY  AND  HONOURABLE  LAY  MEMBERS 
OF  THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH,  IN  THE 
STATES  OF  NEW  YORK,  NEW  JERSEY,  PENNSYLVANIA, 
DELAWARE,  MARYLAND,  VIRGINIA,  AND  SOUTH  CARO 
LINA,  NOW  ASSEMBLED  IN  GENERAL  CONVENTION. 

MY  WORTHY  FRIENDS  AND  BRETHREN: 

The  Sermons  and  Discourses  whereof  the  texts  and  titles  follow,  are 
the  result  of  the  Author's  labours  as  a  preacher  of  the  blessed  Gospel  for 
near  forty  years  past.  Sundry  of  them,  which  were  composed  and  deli 
vered  on  special  public  occasions,  have  been  already  printed,  and  have 
passed  through  several  editions,  in  Europe  as  well  as  America ;  but  the 
main  body  of  them  were  composed  and  delivered  in  the  character  of  a 
Parish  Minister,  viz.,  in  the  years  1764  and  1765,  at  Christ  Church  and 
St.  Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia;  from  thence  forward  to  the  year 
1780,  in  the  churches  of  the  Oxford  Mission,  in  the  county  of  Philadel 
phia;  and  from  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1780,  to  July  1st,  1789,  in 
Chester  parish,  Kent  County,  Maryland. 

During  the  foregoing  long  period  of  ministerial  service,  the  author 
hath  frequently  been  solicited  to  print,  or  to  give  manuscript  copies  of 
many  of  the  Sermons ;  and  hath,  as  his  leisure  would  allow,  so  often  in 
dulged  some  of  his  too  partial  friends  and  hearers  in  the  latter  way,  that 
copies  of  sundry  Sermons  have  been  multiplied  in  manuscript,  and  circu 
lated  in  a  condition  not  only  very  incorrect,  but  wholly  without  those  last 
improvements  and  touches  which  the  best  of  them  stand  much  in  need 
of,  and  which  the  author  had  always  designed  to  bestow  on  some  of  them, 
and  bequeath  them  as  a  legacy  to  his  surviving  friends  and  hearers,  if 
health  and  opportunity  should  permit:  and  if  that  should  not  be  the  case, 
he  had  directed  those  few,  together  with  the  whole  remainder  in  the  fol 
lowing  list,  to  be  suppressed  from  public  view  as  hasty  and  unfinished 
compositions. 

But  the  late  change  in  the  author's  situation,  the  resignation  of  his  pa 
rochial  as  well  as  collegiate  charge  in  the  State  of  Maryland,  and  his  re 
turn  to  his  former  station  in  the  college  of  Philadelphia  (added  to  the 
consideration  of  his  advanced  age),  rendering  it  probable  that  he  can 
never  again  engage  in  any  stated  parochial  duty,  the  applications  of  some 
of  his  former  friends  and  hearers  have  been  renewed  for  the  publication 
of  sundry  of  those  Sermons,  which  had  long  since  been  delivered  before 
them,  and  of  which  some  of  them  had  been  supplied  with  manuscript 
copies. 


78  JOURNAL   OF  THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.         [1789. 

In  some  late  conversations  with  judicious  and  worthy  persons,  both  of 
the  Clergy  and  Laity,  respecting  the  present  state  of  our  churches  and 
people  iu  America,  it  hath  been  further  suggested,  that  the  cause  of  re 
ligion  and  truth  might  be  much  promoted  by  the  publication  of  a  suffi 
cient  number  of  sermons,  or  discourses,  digested,  as  nearly  as  possible, 
into  a  system  or  body  of  divinity,  comprehending  the  most  useful  and 
important  articles  of  the  Christian  doctrine,  treated  of  in  a  scriptural  and 
evangelical  way,  in  an  easy,  affectionate,  and  correct  style,  suited  to  the 
minds  and  apprehensions  of  the  young  and  those  of  inferior  capacity,  as 
well  as  edifying  to  those  of  riper  years  and  more  improved  understand 
ing:  not  running  out  into  learned  niceties  or  debates,  to  disturb  common 
readers  or  hearers,  but  avoiding  all  speculative  and  controversial  subjects, 
or  touching  upon  them  only  to  improve  them,  as  far  as  possible,  towards 
the  purposes  of  practical  godliness  and  vital  Christianity. 

Although  the  author  hath  not  the  vanity  to  imagine  that  the  following 
Sermons  are  wholly  sufficient  to  this  good  design,  yet  they  may  lay  the 
foundation  of  a  more  perfect  work ;  and  he  finds,  upon  an  arrangement 
of  them  under  proper  heads,  that,  iu  order  to  form  a  tolerably  complete 
system,  only  a  few  sermons  would  be  wanting,  and  those  chiefly  upon 
speculative  and  controversial  points,  as  the  author  hath  ever  avoided  in  the 
pulpit,  but  which  (if  thought  necessary  in  a  work  of  this  kind)  might  be 
selected  from  some  of  the  ablest  and  most  orthodox  divines  of  our  Church. 

Indeed,  it  may  be  said  that  a  complete  body  of  sermons  and  divinity 
might  be  selected  or  compiled  in  this  way ;  and  attempts  of  that  kind 
have  been  made  with  good  effect.  But  as  every  age  and  country  is  best 
pleased  with  its  own  forms,  compositions,  and  phrases  of  speech,  the 
author  flatters  himself,  that  if  it  should  please  God  to  enable  him  to  finish 
those  sermons  in  the  way  he  proposes,  they  will  be  at  least  acceptable  to 
those  who  have  desired  the  publication  of  any  of  them.  He  further 
trusts,  that  if  his  design  should  meet  with  that  approbation  and  counte 
nance  which  he  affectionately  solicits  from  the  members  of  the  Conven 
tion,  they  will  be  of  use  to  all  well-disposed  Christians,  and  especially  to 
those  of  the  following  descriptions,  viz. : 

1 .  To  heads  of  families  who  may  think  it  their  duty  to  devote  the  eve 
nings  of  the  Lord's  day  to  the  instruction  of  their  own  households. 

2.  To  pious  and  well-disposed   persons  (remote  from  places  of  public 
worship,  or  unprovided  with  ministers  or  pastors)  who  may  wish  to  col 
lect  their  neighbours  and  friends  to  spend  some  parts  of  a  Sunday  in 
public  worship,  and  in  reading  sermons  and  books  of  devotion. 

3.  To  young  clergymen  and  preachers,  who,  being  ill  supplied  with 
books  or  a  variety  of  sermons  on  proper  subjects,  may  be  assisted  in  their 
earlier  compositions  by  the  present  work,  which  it  is  proposed  to  com 
prise  in  about  four  octavo  volumes,  in  the  same  sized  paper  a,nd  letter  as 
this  address:  two  volumes  to  be  published  yearly,  at  the  rate  of  one  dol 
lar  per  volume  on  the  delivery  of  the  same  to  the  subscribers. 

WILLIAM  SMITH. 


On  motion  of  Mr.  J.  Cox, 

Resolved  unanimously, — That  the  Members  of  this  Con 
vention  being  fully  persuaded  that  the  interests  of  religion  and 
practical  godliness  may  be  greatly  promoted  by  the  publica- 


1789.]    JOURNAL  OP  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       79 

tion  of  a  body  of  Sermons,  upon  the  plan  proposed  above; 
and  being  well  satisfied  of  the  author's  soundness  in  the 
faith,  and  eminent  abilities  for  such  a  work,  do  testify  their 
approbation  of  the  same,  and  their  desire  to  encourage  it,  by 
annexing  their  names  thereto  as  subscribers. 

[Here  the  names  are  subscribed.] 

The  Convention  then  took  up  the  Report  of  the  Committee 
of  the  whole  upon  the  Canons,  which  were  read,  and  en 
grossed. 

The  said  Canons  were  then  adopted,  and  ordered  to  be 
signed  by  the  President  and  Secretary.  They  are  as  follow. 


anons 

FOR  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA,  AGREED 
ON  AND  RATIFIED  IN  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION  OF 
SAID  CHURCH,  HELD  IN  THE  CITY  OF  PHILADELPHIA, 
FROM  THE  28TH  DAY  OF  JULY  TO  THE  8lH  DAY  OF 
AUGUST,  1789,  INCLUSIVE. 

CANON  1. 

In  this  Church  there  shall  always  be  three  Orders  in  the  Ministry,  viz., 
Bishops,  Priests,  and  Deacons. 

CANON  2. 

Every  Bishop  elect,  before  his  consecration,  shall  produce  to  the  Bish 
ops,  to  whom  he  is  presented  for  that  holy  office,  from  the  Convention 
by  whom  he  is  elected  a  Bishop,  and  from  the  General  Convention,  or  a 
Committee  of  that  body  appointed  to  act  in  their  recess,  certificates,  re 
spectively  in  the  following  words,  viz. : 

Testimony  from  the  Members  of  the  Convention  in  the  State 
from  whence  the  person  is  recommended  for  Consecration. 

We,  whose  names  are  underwritten,  fully  sensible  how  important  it  is, 
that  the  sacred  office  of  a  Bishop  should  not  be  unworthilyxjonferred,  and 
firmly  persuaded  that  is  is  our  duty  to  bear  testimony  on  this  solemn  occa 
sion  without  partiality  or  affection,  do,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty  God, 
testify,  that  A.  B.  is  not,  so  far  as  we  are  informed,  justly  liable  to  evil 
report,  either  for  error  in  religion  or  for  viciousness  of  life ;  and  that  we 
do  not  know  or  believe  there  is  any  impediment  or  notable  crime  for 


80  JOURNAL   OF  THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.          [1789. 

which  he  ought  not  to  be  consecrated  to  that  holy  office.  We  do,  more 
over,  jointly  and  severally  declare  that,  having  personally  known  him  for 
three  years  last  past,  we  do  in  our  consciences  believe  him  to  be  of  such 
sufficiency  in  good  learning,  such  soundness  in  the  faith,  and  of  such 
virtuous  and  pure  manners  and  godly  conversation,  that  he  is  apt  and 
meet  to  exercise  the  Office  of  a  Bishop,  to  the  honour  of  God  and  the 
edifying  of  his  Church,  and  to  be  an  wholesome  example  to  the  flock  of 
Christ. 

Testimony  from  the  General  Convention. 

We  whose  names  are  underwritten,  fully  sensible  how  important  it  is 
that  the  sacred  office  of  a  Bishop  should  not  be  unworthily  conferred,  and 
firmly  persuaded  that  it  is  our  duty  to  bear  our  testimony  on  this  solemn 
occasion  without  partiality  or  affection,  do,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty 
God,  testify  that  A.  B.  is  not,  so  far  as  we  are  informed,  justly  liable  to 
evil  report  either  for  error  in  religion  or  for  viciousness  of  life ;  and  that 
we  do  not  know  or  believe  there  is  any  impediment  or  notable  crime,  on 
account  of  which  he  ought  not  to  be  consecrated  to  that  holy  office,  but 
that  he  hath,  as  we  believe,  led  his  life,  for  three  years  last  past,  piously, 
soberly,  and  honestly. 

CANON  3. 

Every  Bishop  in  this  Church  shall,  as  often  as  may  be  convenient,  visit 
the  churches  within  his  Diocese  or  district,  for  the  purposes  of  examining 
the  state  of  his  Church,  inspecting  the  behaviour  of  the  Clergy,  and  ad 
ministering  the  apostolic  rite  of  Confirmation. 

CANON  4. 

Deacon's  Orders  shall  not  be  conferred  on  any  person  until  he  shall  be 
twenty-one  years  old,  nor  Priest's  Orders  on  any  one  until  he  shall  be 
twenty-four  years  old;  and,  except  on  urgent  occasion,  unless  he  hath 
been  a  Deacon  one  year.  No  man  shall  be  consecrated  a  Bishop  of  this 
Church  until  he  shall  be  thirty  years  old. 

CANON  5. 

No  person  shall  be  ordained  either  Deacon  or  Priest,  unless  he  shall 
produce  a  satisfactory  certificate  from  some  Church,  parish,  or  congrega 
tion,  that  he  is  engaged  with  them,  and  that  they  will  receive  him  as  their 
minister,  and  allow  him  a  reasonable  support ;  or  unless  he  be  engaged 
as  a  professor,  tutor,  or  instructor  of  youth,  in  some  college,  academy,  or 
general  seminary  of  learning,  duly  incorporated ;  or  unless  the  Standing 
Committee  of  the  Church  in  the  State  for  which  he  is  to  be  ordained, 
shall  certify  to  the  Bishop  their  full  belief  and  expectation,  that  he  will 
be  received  and  settled  as  a  pastor  by  some  one  of  the  vacant  churches 
in  that  State. 

CANON  6. 

Every  candidate  for  Holy  Orders  shall  be  recommended  to  the  Bishop 
by  a  Standing  Committee  of  the  Convention  of  the  State  wherein  he  re- 


1789.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       81 

sides,  which  recommendation  shall  be  signed  by  the  names  of  a  majority 
of  the  Committee,  and  shall  be  in  the  following  words : 

We,  whose  names  are  hereunder  written,  testify  that  A.  B.,  for  the 
space  of  three  years  last  past,  hath  lived  piously,  soberly,  and  hon 
estly:  *Nor  hath  he  at  any  time,  as  far  as  we  know  or  believe,  written, 
taught,  or  held,  any  thing  contrary  to  the  doctrine  or  discipline  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church.  And,  moreover,  we  think  him  a  person  worthy 
to  be  admitted  to  the  sacred  order  of  priest.  In  witness  whereof  we  have 
hereunto  set  our  hands.  Dated  the  .  .  .  day  of  ...  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  .  .  . 

But  before  a  Standing  Committee  of  any  State  shall  proceed  to  recom 
mend  any  candidate,  as  aforesaid,  to  the  Bishop,  such  candidate  shall 
produce  testimonials  of  his  good  morals  and  orderly  conduct  for  three 
years  last  past,  from  the  Minister  and  Vestry  of  the  parish  where  he  has 
resided,  or  from  the  Vestry  alone  if  the  parish  be  vacant;  a  publication 
of  his  intention  to  apply  for  Holy  Orders  having  been  previously  made 
by  such  Minister  or  Vestry. 

CANON  7. 

In  every  State  in  which  there  is  no  Standing  Committee,  such  Com 
mittee  shall  be  appointed  at  its  next  ensuing  Convention ;  and  in  the 
mean  time  every  candidate  for  Holy  Orders  shall  be  recommended  ac 
cording  to  the  regulations  or  usage  of  the  Church  in  each  State,  and  the 
requisitions  of  the  Bishop  to  whom  he  applies. 

CANON  8. 

No  person  shall  be  ordained  in  this  Church  until  he  shall  have  satisfied 
the  Bishop  and  the  two  Presbyters,  by  whom  he  shall  be  examined,  that 
he  is  sufficiently  acquainted  with  the  New  Testament  in  the  original 
Greek,  and  can  give  an  account  of  his  faith  in  the  Latin  tongue,  either 
in  writing  or  otherwise,  as  may  be  required. 

CANON  9. 

Agreeably  to  the  practice  of  the  primitive  Church,  the  stated  times  of 
Ordination  shall  be  on  the  Sundays  following  the  Ember  weeks :  viz.,  the 
Second  Sunday  in  Lent,  the  Feast  of  Trinity,  and  the  Sundays  after  the 
Wednesdays  following  the  fourteenth  day  of  September  and  the  thirteenth 
of  December. 

CANON  10. 

'No  person,  not  a  member  of  this  Church,  who  shall  profess  to  be  eph- 
copally  ordained,  shall  be  permitted  to  officiate  therein,  until  he  shall 
have  exhibited  to  the  Vestry  of  the  Church  in  which-  he  shall  offer  to 
officiate,  a  certificate  signed  by  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  or  district,  or, 
where  there  is  no  Bishop,  by  three  Clergymen  of  the  Standing  Committee 
of  the  Convention  of  that  State,  that  his  Letters  of  Orders  are  authentic, 

6 


82  JOURNAL   OF   THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.         [1789. 

and  given  by  some  Bishop  whose  authority  is  acknowledged  by  this 
Church,  and  also  satisfactory  evidence  of  his  moral  character. 
Signed  by  order  of  the  Convention, 

WILLIAM  WHITE, 

Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Common 
wealth  of  Pennsylvania,  and  President  of  the  Convention. 
FRANCIS  HOPKINSON,  Secretary. 


Mr.  Andrews  moved  the  following  resolve: 

Whereas  it  appears  that  sundry  other  Canons  are  necessary 
for  the  good  government  of  the  Church, 

Resolved, — That  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Smith,  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw,  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hopkinson, 
Dr.  Clarkson,  and  Mr.  T.  Coxe,  he  a  Committee  to  prepare 
and  report  to  the  next  meeting  of  this  Convention,  such  ad 
ditional  Canons  as  to  them  shall  seem  necessary. 

Which  was  agreed  to. 

The  Convention  took  into  consideration  the  two  Articles 
of  the  Constitution  which  had  been  postponed,  and  which 
they  amended  and  agreed  to. 

Ordered,  that  the  Constitution  be  engrossed  for  signing 

The  engrossed  address  to  the  President  of  the  United 
States  was  read  and  signed  by  the  Contention. 

Ordered,  that  the  Right  Reverend  Dr.  Provost,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Andrews,  Mr.  John  Cox,  Mr.  Brisbane,  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Beach,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  Mr.  Rogers,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Ogden,  Rev.  Mr.  Spieren,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Waddel,  and  the 
Hon.  Mr.Duane,  with  snch  other  gentlemen  as  have  been  de 
puted  to  this  Convention,  who  may  be  in  New  York,  be  re 
quested  to  present  the  same  to  the  President  of  the  United 
States. 

Resolved, — That  the  said  address,  with  the  answer  that 
may  be  received  thereto,  be  printed  in  the  Journals  of  the 
adjourned  meeting  of  this  Convention. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


SATURDAY,  August  8th,  1789. 

The  Convention  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset  read  prayers. 

The  engrossed  Constitution  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  was  then  read,  and  signed  by  the  Convention;  and  is 
as  follows. 


1789.]    JOtRXAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       83 

2S 


OF  THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH  IN  THE  UNITED 
STATES  OF  AMERICA. 

ART.  1.  There  shall  be  a  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episco 
pal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  Au 
gust,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1792,  and  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  August  in 
every  third  year  afterwards,  in  such  place  as  shall  be  determined  by  the 
Convention;  and  special  meetings  may  be  called  at  other  times,  in  the 
manner  hereafter  to  be  provided  for;  and  this  Church,  in  a  majority  of  the 
States  which  shall  have  adopted  this  Constitution,  shall  be  represented, 
before  they  shall  proceed  to  business,  except  that  the  representation  from 
two  States  shall  be  sufficient  to  adjourn;  and  in  all  business  of  the  Con 
vention  freedom  of  debate  shall  be  allowed. 

ART.  2.  The  Church  in  each  State  shall  be  entitled  to  a  representation 
of  both  the  Clergy  and  the  Laity,  which  representation  shall  consist  of 
one  or  more  Deputies,  not  exceeding  four  of  each  Order,  chosen  by  the 
Convention  of  the  State  :  and  in  all  questions,  when  required  by  the  Cleri 
cal  or  Lay  representation  from  any  State,  each  Order  shall  have  one  vote  ; 
and  the  majority  of  suffrages  by  States  shall  be  conclusive  in  each  Order, 
provided  such  majority  comprehend  a  majority  of  the  States  represented 
in  that  Order.  The  concurrence  of  both  Orders  shall  be  necessary  to 
constitute  a  vote  of  the  Convention.  If  the  Convention  of  any  State 
should  neglect  or  decline  to  appoint  Clerical  Deputies,  or  if  they  should 
neglect  or  decline  to  appoint  Lay  Deputies,  or  if  any  of  those  of  either 
Order  appointed  should  neglect  to  attend,  or  be  prevented  by  sickness  or 
any  other  accident,  such  State  shall  nevertheless  be  considered  as  duly  re 
presented  by  such  Deputy  or  Deputies  as  may  attend,  whether  lay  or  cle 
rical.  And  if,  through  the  neglect  of  the  Convention  of  any  of  the 
Churches  which  shall  have  adopted,  or  may  hereafter  adopt  this  Constitu 
tion,  no  Deputies,  either  Lay  or  Clerical,  should  attend  at  any  General 
Convention,  the  Church  in  such  State  shall  nevertheless  be  bound  by  the 
acts  of  such  Convention. 

ART.  3.  The  Bishops  of  this  Church,  when  there  shall  be  three  or  more, 
shall,  whenever  General  Conventions  are  held,  form  a  House  of  revision  ; 
and  when  any  proposed  act  shall  have  passed  in  the  General  Convention, 
the  same  shall  be  transmitted  to  the  House  of  revision  for  their  concur 
rence.  And  if  the  same  shall  be  sent  back  to  the  Convention,  with  the 
negative  or  non-concurrence  of  the  House  of  revision,  it  shall  be  again 
considered  in  the  General  Convention,  and  if  the  Convention  shall  adhere 
to  the  said  act  by  a  majority  of  three-fifths  of  their  body,  it  shall  become 
a  law  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  notwithstanding  the  non-concurrence  of 
the  House  of  revision  ;  and  all  acts  of  the  Convention  shall  be  authenticated 
by  both  Houses.  And  in  all  cases,  the  House  of  Bishops  shall  signify 
to  •  the  Convention  their  approbation  or  disapprobation,  the  latter  with 
their  reasons  in  writing,  within  two  days  after  the  proposed  act  shall  have 
been  reported  to  them  for  concurrence,  and  in  failure  thereof  it  shall 
have  the  operation  of  a  law.  But  until  there  shall  be  three  or  more  Bish 
ops  as  aforesaid,  any  Bishop  attending  a  General  Convention  shall  be  a 
member  ex  officio,  and  shall  vote  with  the  Clerical  Deputies  of  the  State 
to  which  he  belongs.  And  a  Bishop  shall  then  preside. 


84  JOURNAL   OF   THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.         [1789. 

ART.  4.  The  Bishop  or  Bishops  in  every  State  shall  be  chosen  agree 
ably  to  such  rules  as  shall  be  fixed  by  the  Convention  of  that  State.  And 
every  Bishop  of  this  Church  shall  confine  the  exercise  of  his  Episcopal 
office  to  his  proper  Diocese  or  District,  unless  requested  to  ordain  or  con 
firm,  or  perform  any  other  act  of  the  Episcopal  office,  by  any  Church 
destitute  of  a  Bishop. 

ART.  5.  A  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  any  of  the  United  States 
not  now  represented,  may,  at  any  time  hereafter,  be  admitted,  on  acced 
ing  to  this  Constitution. 

ART.  6.  In  every  State,  the  mode  of  trying  Clergymen  shall  be  institut 
ed  by  the  Convention  of  the  Church  therein.  At  every  trial  of  a  Bishop 
there  shall  be  one  or  more  of  the  Episcopal  Order  present:  and  none  but 
a  Bishop  shall  pronounce  sentence  of  deposition  or  degradation  from  the 
Ministry  on  any  Clergyman,  whether  Bishop,  or  Presbyter,  or  Deacon. 

ART.  7.  No  person  shall  be  admitted  to  Holy  Orders,  until  he  shall 
have  been  examined  by  the  Bishop  and  by  two  Presbyters,  and  shall 
have  exhibited  such  testimonials  and  other  requisites  as  the  Canons  rn 
that  case  provided  may  direct.  Nor  shall  any  person  be  ordained  until 
he  shall  have  subscribed  the  following  declaration :  "  I  do  believe  the 
Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament  to  be  the  word  of  God, 
and  to  contain  all  things  necessary  to  salvation :  and  I  do  solemnly  en 
gage  to  conform  to  the  doctrines  and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  these  United  States."  No  person  ordained  by  a  foreign  Bishop 
shall  be  permitted  to  officiate  as  a  Minister  of  this  Church,  until  he  shall 
have  complied  with  the  Canon  or  Canons  in  that  case  provided,  and  have 
also  subscribed  the  aforesaid  declaration. 

ART.  8.  A  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  Administration  of  the  Sacra 
ments,  and  other  Rites  and  Ceremonies  of  the  Church,  Articles  of  Reli 
gion,  and  a  form  and  manner  of  making,  ordaining,  and  consecrating 
Bishops,  Priests,  and  Deacons,  when  established  by  this  or  a  future  Gen 
eral  Convention,  shall  be  used  in  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
these  States,  which  shall  have  adopted  this  Constitution. 

ART.  9.  This  Constitution  shall  be  unalterable,  unless  in  General  Con 
vention  by  the  Church  in  a  majority  of  the  States  which  may  have  adopt 
ed  the  same ;  and  all  alterations  shall  be  first  proposed  in  one  General 
Convention,  and  made  known  to  the  several  State  Conventions,  before 
they  shall  be  finally  agreed  to,  or  ratified,  in  the  ensuing  General  Con 
vention. 

In  General  Convention,  in  Christ  Church,  Philadelphia,  August  the 
8th,  One  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-nine. 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
President  of  the  Convention. 

NEW  YORK  .  .  .  ABRAHAM  BEACH,  D.D.,  Assistant  Min 
ister  of  Trinity  Church,  in  the  City  of 
New  York. 

BEXJAMIX  MOORE,  D.D.,  Assistant  Mi 
nister  of  Trinity  Church,  in  the  City  of 
New  York. 

-MoSKS    RoGKliS. 

NEW  JERSEY.  .  .  WILLIAM  FRAZER,  Rector  of  St.  Micha- 
el's  Church,  in  Trenton,  and  St.  An 
drew's  Church,  in  Amwell. 


1789.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION. 


85 


PENNSYLVANIA 


DELAWARE 


MARYLAND 


VIRGINIA  .    .    .    . 
SOUTH  CAROLINA 


UZAL  OGDEN,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church, 
Newark. 

HENRY  WADDEU,,  .Rector  of  Shrewsbury 
and  Middletown,  New  Jersey. 

GEORGE  H.  SPIEREN,  Rector  of  St.  Pe 
ter's,  Amboy. 

JOHN  Cox. 

SAMUEL  OGDEN. 

R.  STRETTELL  JONES. 

SAMUEL  MACAW,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St. 
Paul's,  Philadelphia. 

ROBERT  BLACKWELL,  D.D.,  Senior  As 
sistant  Minister  of  Christ  Church  and 
St.  Peter's,  Philadelphia. 

JOSEPH  PILMORE,  Rector  of  the  United 
Churches  of  Trinity,  St.  Thomas,  and 
All  Saints. 

JOSEPH  G.  J.  BEND,  Assistant  Minister 
of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's,  Phi 
ladelphia. 

FRANCIS  HOPKINSON. 

GrERARDUS  CLARKSON. 

TENCH  COXE. 

SAMUEL  POWEL,  Esq. 

JOSEPH  COUDEN,  A.M.,  Rector  of  St. 
Anne's. 

STEPHEN  SYKES,  A.M..  Rector  of  St. 
Petpr's  nnH  St.  Matthew's,  in  Sussex 

JAMES  SYKES.  [County. 

WILLIAM  SMITH,  D.D.,  a  Clerical  Dele 
gate  for  Maryland,  appointed  in  a  Con 
vention  as  Rector  of  Chester  Parish, 
Kent  County. 

COLIN  FERGUSON,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St. 
Paul's,  Kent  County. 

JOHN  BISSETT,  A.M.,  Rector  of  Shrews 
bury  Parish,  Kent  County. 

RICHARD  B.  CARMICHAEL. 

WILLIAM  FRISBY. 

ROBERT  ANDREWS. 

ROBERT  SMITH,  Rector  of  St.  Philip'n 
Church,  Charleston,  and  Principal  of 
Charleston  College. 

WILLIAM  BRISBANE. 

W.  W.  BURROWS. 


'Proposals  for  an  edition  of  the  Holy  Bible,  by  Mr.  Isaac 
Collins,  of  Trenton,  were  laid  before  this  Convention,  and 
satisfactory  information  was  given  them,  as  to  the  proposer's 
abilities  for  the  execution  of  the  work. 

Whereupon  Resolved,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Jones, 


86       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1789. 

That  the  members  of  this  Convention  will  assist  Mr.  Col 
lins  in  the  procuring  of  subscriptions. 

The  Committee  for  preparing  an  address  to  the  Most  Rev. 
the  Archbishops  of  Canterbury  and  York,  reported  an  ad 
dress,  which  was  read  and  adopted. 

Ordered,  that  it  be  engrossed  for  signing,  and  that  it  be 
signed  by  the  members  of  the  Convention,  as  their  address, 
and  by  the  President  officially. 

Ordered,  that  it  be  published  in  the  Journal  of  the  ad 
journed  meeting  of  this  Convention. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White, 
Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw,  Hon.  Mr.  Hopkinson,  Mr. 
T.  Coxe,  and  Mr.  Burrows,  be  a  Committee  to  forward  the 
above-mentioned  address;  to  prepare  and  forward  the  neces 
sary  answers  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Parker  and  the  Clergy  of 
Massachusetts  and  New  Hampshire,  respecting  their  applica 
tion  for  the  consecration  of  the  Rev.  Edward  Bass,  their 
Bishop  elect;  to  answer,  as  far  as  may  be  necessary,  the 
Right  Rev.  Dr.  Seabury's  letters;  to  forward  the  minutes 
and  proceedings  of  this  Convention  to  the  English  Archbish 
ops  and  Bishops ;  and  also  to  the  Right.  Rev.  Dr.  Seabury., 
and  to  the  Eastern  and  other  Churches  not  included  in  this 
union,  to  notify  to  them  the  time  and  place  to  which  this  Con 
vention  should  adjourn,  and  request  their  attendance  at  the 
same,  for  the  good  purposes  of  union  and  general  govern 
ment;  and  to  call  such  special  meetings  of  the  Convention 
as  may  be  necessary. 

Resolved, — That  this  Convention  adjourn,  to  meet  at  Phi 
ladelphia,  on  Tuesday,  the  29th  of  September  next,  and  that 
the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Provost  be  requested  to  open  the  Con 
vention  with  a  Sermon. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  Convention, 

WILLIAM  WHITE, 

Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Com 
monwealth  of  Pennsylvania,  and  President  of  the 
Convention. 

FRANCIS  HOPKINSON,  Secretary. 


APPENDIX. 


To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come,  or  whom 
the  same  shall  or  may  in  any  wise  or  at  any  time  concern,  we, 
John,  by  Divine  Providence,  Lord  Archbishop  of  Canterbury, 
Primate  of  all  England,  and  Metropolitan,  send  greeting: 

Whereas  by  an  Act  of  Parliament  passed  at  Westminster, 
in  the  twenty-sixth  year  of  the  reign  of  our  sovereign  lord 
George  the  Third,  King  of  Great  Britain,  France,  and  Ire 
land,  entituled,  "  An  Act  to  empower  the  Archbishop  of 
Canterbury,  or  the  Archbishop  of  York,  for  the  time  being, 
to  consecrate  to  the  Office  of  a  Bishop,  Persons,  being 
Subjects  or  Citizens  of  Countries  out  of  His  Majesty's  do 
minions," — 

It  is  enacted, — that  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to  and  for  the  Arch 
bishop  of  Canterbury,  or  the  Archbishop  of  York  for  the  time  being, 
together  with  such  other  Bishops  as  they  shall  call  to  their  assist 
ance,  to  consecrate  persons  being  subjects  or'  citizens  of  countries  out  of 
his  Majesty's  dominions,  Bishops  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  without  the 
King's  licence  for  their  election,  or  the  Royal  mandate  under  the  Great 
Seal  for  their  confirmation  and  consecration,  and  without  requiring  them 
to  take  the  oaths  of  allegiance  and  supremacy,  and  the  oath  of  due  obe 
dience  to  the  Archbishop  for  the  time  being.  Provided  always,  that  no 
persons  shall  be  consecrated  Bishops  in  the  manner  herein  provided,  un 
til  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury  or  the  Archbishop  of  York,  for  the 
time  being,  shall  have  first  applied  for  and  obtained  his  Majesty's  licence, 
by  warrant  under  his  Royal  signet  and  sign  manual,  authorizing  and  im- 
powering  him  to  perform  such  consecration,  and  expressing  the  name  or 
names  of  the  persons  so  to  be  consecrated ;  nor  until  the  said  Archbishop 
has  been  fully  ascertained  of  their  sufficiency  in  good  learning,  of  the 
soundness  of  their  faith,  and  of  the  purity  of  their  manners.  Provided 
also,  and  be  it  hereby  declared,  that  no  person  or  persons  consecrated  to 
the  office  of  a  Bishop  in  the  manner  aforesaid,  nor  any  person  or  persons 
deriving  their  consecration  from  or  under  any  Bishop  so  consecrated,  nor 
any  person  or  persons  admitted  to  the  Order  of  Deacon  or  Priest  by  any 
Bishop  or  Bishops  so  consecrated,  or  by  the  successor  or  successors  of 
any  Bishop  or  Bishops  so  consecrated,  shall  be  thereby  enabled  to  exer 

(87) 


88  APPENDIX.  [178-9. 

cise  his  or  their  respective  office  or  offices  within  his  Majesty's  dominions. 
Provided  always,  and  be  it  farther  enacted,  that  a  certificate  of  such  con 
secration  shall  be  given  under  the  hand  and  seal  of  the  Archbishop  who 
'  oasecrates,  containing  the  name  of  the  person  so  consecrated,  wiih  the 
addition  as  well  of  the  country  whereof  he  is  a  subject  or  citizen,  as  of 
thu  Church  in  which  he  is  appointed  Bishop,  and  the  farther  description 
of  his  not  having  taken  the  said  oaths,  being  exempted  from  the  obliga 
tion  of  so  doing  by  virtue  of  this  Act. 

Now  know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we  the  said  John 
Lord  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  having  obtained  his  Ma 
jesty's  licence,  by  warrant  under  his  royal  signet  and  sign 
manual,  did,  in  pursuance  of  the  said  Act  of  Parliament,  on 
Sunday,  the  fourth  day  of  February,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
One  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-seven,  in  the  Chapel 
of  our  Palace  at  Lambeth,  in  the  county  of  Surry,  admit  our  be 
loved  in  Christ,  William  White,  Clerk,  D.D.,  a  subject  or  citi 
zen  of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  fn  North  America,  and  Rec 
tor  of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadel 
phia,  in  the  said  State,  of  whose  sufficiency  in  good  learning, 
soundness  in  the  faith,  and  purity  of  manners,  we  were  fully 
ascertained,  into  the  office  of  a  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Epis 
copal  Church,  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania  aforesaid,  to 
which  the  said  William  White  hath  been  elected  by  the  Con 
vention  for  the  said  State,  as  appears  unto  us  by  due  testi 
mony  thereof  by  him  produced,  and  him  the  said  William 
White  did  then  and  there  rightly  and  canonically  consecrate 
a  Bishop,  according  to  the  manner  and  form  prescribed  and 
used  by  the  Church  of  England,  his  taking  the  oaths  of  alle 
giance,  supremacy,  and  canonical  obedience  only  excepted, 
he  being  exempted  from  the  obligation  of  taking  the  said 
oaths  by  virtue  of  the  above  recited  act.  Provided,  that 
neither  he  the  said  Bishop,  nor  any  person  or  persons  deriv 
ing  their  consecration  from  or  under  him,  nor  any  person  or 
persons  admitted  to  the  Order  of  Deacon  or  Priest  by  him, 
or  his  successor  or  successors,  shall  be  enabled  to  exercise 
his  or  their  respective  office  or  offices  within  his  Majesty's 
dominions.  In  testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  our  Archi- 
Episcopal  seal  to  be  affixed  to  these  presents. — Given  at 
Lambeth  House  the  day  and  year  above  written,  and  in  the 
fourth  year  of  our  translation. 

J.  [L.  S.]  CANTUAR. 

We,  William  Lord   Archbishop  of    York,  Charles  Lord 


1789.]  APPENDIX.  89 

Bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells,  and  John  Lord  Bishop  of  Peter 
borough,  were  present,  and  assisting  at  the  consecration 
within  mentioned. 

W.  EBOR. 

C.  BATH  AND  WELLS. 

J.  PETERBOROUGH. 

The  signatures  of  the  Archbishops  of  Canterbury  and 
York,  and  of  the  Bishops  of  Bath  and  Wells,  and  Peter 
borough,  were  made  in  my  presence,  February  4th,  1787. 

WM.  DICKES, 

(COPT.)  SECRETARY  TO  THE  ARCHBISHOP  OF  CANTERBURY. 

On  Sunday,  the  fourth  day  of  February,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  One  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-seven,  and 
in  the  fourth  year  of  the  translation  of  the  Most  Reverend 
Father  in  God,  John,  by  Divine  Providence  Lord  Archbishop 
of  Canterbury,  Primate  of  all  England,  and  Metropolitan,  in 
the  chapel  at  the  Palace  at  Lambeth,  in  the  county  of  Surry, 
the  said  Most  Reverend  Father  in  God,  by  virtue  and  au 
thority  of  a  certain  licence  or  warrant  from  his  most  gra 
cious  Majesty,  and  our  sovereign  Lord  George  the  Third,  by 
the  grace  of  God  of  Great  Britain,  France,  and  Ireland, 
King,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  and  so  forth,  to  him  in  this  be 
half  directed,  the  Most  Reverend  Father  in  God,  William, 
by  the  same  Providence  Lord  Archbishop  of  York,  Primate 
of  England  and  Metropolitan,  and  the  Right  Reverend  Fa 
thers  in  God,  Charles,  by  divine  permission  Lord  Bishop  of 
Bath  and  Wells,  and  John,  by  divine  permission  Lord  Bishop 
of  Peterborough,  assisting  him,  consecrated  the  Rev.  Wil 
liam  White,  Doctor  in  Divinity,  Rector  of  Christ  Church 
and  St.  Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  a  subject  or  citi 
zen  of  the  United  States  of  North  America,  and  the  Rever 
end  Samuel  Provost,  Doctor  in  Divinity,  Rector  of  Trinity 
Church  in  the  city  of  New  York,  a  subject  or  citizen  also  of 
the  United  States  of  North  America,  to  the  Office  of  a  Bishop 
respectively,  the  rites,  circumstances,  and  ceremonies  an 
ciently  used  in  the  Church  of  England  being  observed  and 
applied,  according  to  the  tenor  of  an  Act  passed  in  the 
twenty-sixth  year  of  the  reign  of  his  said  Majesty, entituled, 
"  An  Act  to  empower  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  or  the 
Archbishop  of  York,  for  the  time  being,  to  consecrate  to  the 
Office  of  a  Bishop,  persons  being  subjects  or  citizens  of 


90  APPENDIX.  [1789.    ' 

countries  out  of  his  Majesty's  dominions,"  in  the  presence 
of  me,  Robert  Jenner,  Notary  Public,  one  of  the  Deputy  Re 
gisters  of  the  Province  of  Canterbury,  being  then  and  there 
present  the  Reverend  and  Worshipful  William  Backhouse, 
Doctor  in  Divinity,  Archdeacon  of  Canterbury,  the  Rev. 

Lort,  Doctor  in  Divinity,  the  Rev. Drake,  Doctor 

in  Divinity,  William  Dickes,  Esquire,  Notary  Public,  Secre 
tary  to  his  grace  the  said  Lord  Archbishop  of  Canterbury, 
with  many  others  in  great  numbers  then  and  there  assem 
bled.     Which  I  attest. 

RT.  JENNER, 
(COPT.)  NOTARY  PUBLIC — ACTUARY  ASSUMED. 

And  we,  the  underwritten  Notaries  Public,  by  royal  au 
thority  duly  admitted  and  sworn,  residing  in  Doctor's  Com 
mons,  London,  do  hereby  certify  and  attest,  to  all  whom  it 
may  concern,  that  Robert  Jenner,  whose  name  is  subscribed 
to  the  aforegoing  act,  was  and  is  a  Notary  Public,  and  one 
of  the  Deputy  Registers  of  the  Province  of  Canterbury, 
and  that  the  letters,  name,  and  words,  "  Rt.  Jenner,  Notary 
Public,"  thereto  subscribed,  were  and  are  of  the  proper  hand 
writing  and  subscription  of  the  said  Robert  Jenner ;  and  that 
we  saw  him  sign  the  same;  and  that  full  faith  and  entire 
credit  is  and  ought  to  be  given  to  all  the  acts,  subscriptions, 
and  attestations,  of  the  said  Robert  Jenner,  as  well  in  judg 
ment  as  out.  In  testimony  whereof  we  have  hereunto  sub 
scribed  our  names,  to  serve  and  avail  as  occasion  may  re 
quire,  at  Doctor's  Commons,  London,  this  fifth  day  of  Feb 
ruary,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  One  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  eighty-seven.  Which  we  attest. 

EDWARD  COOPER,  NOTARY  PUBLIC. 

(COPT.)  WILLIAM  ABBOT,  NOTARY  PUBLIC. 


NOTE. — The  Letter  of  Consecration   of  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Provost, 
will  be  annexed  to  the  next  Journal  of  the  General  Convention, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS 


OP   THE 


BISHOPS,  CLERGY    AND  LAITY, 


OF   THE 


"JProfasfanf  ^pisropl  (JfiurrB 


IN 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA, 


IK 


A  CONVENTION 


HELD    IN 


THE  CITY  OF  PHILADELPHIA,  FROM  TUESDAY,  SEPTEMBER 
29ra,  TO  FRIDAY,  OCTOBER  16TH,  1789. 

(91) 


PREFACE. 


AT  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  States  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Dela 
ware,  Maryland,  Virginia,  and  South  Carolina,  held  in 
Christ  Church,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  from  July  28th 
to  August  8th,  1789,  upon  the  consideration  of  certain  com 
munications  from  the  Bishop  and  Clergy  of  the  Church  in 
Connecticut,  and  from  the  Clergy  in  the  Churches  of  Massa 
chusetts  and  New  Hampshire,  it  was  resolved  to  adjourn  to 
the  29th  day  of  September  following,  in  order  to  meet  the 
said  Churches,  for  the  purpose  of  settling  articles  of  union, 
discipline,  oxiiformity  of  worship,  and  general  government 
among  all  the  Churches  in  the  United  States. 

The  following  is  a  Journal  of  the  proceedings  of  both 
Houses,  (viz.,  of  Bishops,  and  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies) 
in  the  said  adjourned  Convention. 
(92) 


JOURNAL. 


CHRIST  CHURCH, 
TUESDAY,  September  29th,  1789. 
Right   Rev.    Dr.   White,    the   Rev.    Dr.    William 
Smith,  the  Rev.   Dr.  Robert  Smith,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Bend,   Robert   Andrews,    Esq.,    and   Dr.   Gerardus 
Clarkson,  met  at  Christ  Church,  but  not  being  a  sufficient 
number  to  proceed  to  business, 

Adjourned  until  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


CHRIST  CHURCH,  WEDNESDAY,  September  30th,  1789. 

The  Convention  met. 

The  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White  presided,  ex  officio. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bracken  read  prayers. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bracken,  Clerical  Deputy  from  the  Church 
in  Virginia,*  produced  testimonials  of  his  appointment, 
which  being  read  and  approved,  he  took  his  seat. 

The  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Seabury,  Bishop  of  the  Pro 
testant  Episcopal  Church  in  Connecticut,  attended,  to  confer 
with  the  Convention,  agreeable  to  the  invitation  given  him, 
in  consequence  of  a  resolve  passed  at  their  late  session ;  and 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Parker,  Deputy  from  the  Churches  in 
Massachusetts  and  New  Hampshire,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bela 
Hubbard  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Abraham  Jarvis,  Deputies  from 
the  Church  in  Connecticut,  produced  testimonials  of  their 
appointment  to  confer  with  the  Convention,  in  consequence 
of  a  similar  invitation. 

These  testimonials  were  read,  and  deemed  satisfactory. 

The  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Seabury  produced  his  Letters  of 
Consecration  to  the  holy  office  of  a  Bishop  in  this  Church, 

*  This  being  an  adjourned  Convention,  testimonials  were  only  re 
quired  from  new  members. 

(93) 


94      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1789. 

which  were  read,  and  ordered  to  he  recorded.  (See  the  Ap 
pendix.) 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Secretary,  the  Hon. 
Francis  Hopkinson,  be  permitted  and  requested  to  appoint 
an  assistant  Secretary,  who  is  not  a  member  of  this  Con 
vention. 

Resolved, — That  this  Convention  will,  to-morrow,  go  into  a 
Committee  of  the  whole,  on  the  subject  of  the  proposed 
union  with  the  Churches  in  the  States  of  New  Hampshire, 
Massachusetts,  and  Connecticut,  as  now  represented  in  Con 
vention. 

Resolved  further, — That  the  hours  of  business  in  Conven 
tion,  shall  be  from  9  o'clock  in  the  morning  until  3  in  the 
afternoon. — Adj  ourned. 


CHRIST  CHURCH,  THURSDAY,  October  1st,  1789. 

The  Convention  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Rowe  read  prayers. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Beach,  from  New  York,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fra- 
zer,  and  James  Parker,  Esq.,  from  New  Jersey,  and  James 
Sykes,  Esq.,  from  Delaware,  took  their  seats  in  Convention. 

Mr.  Joseph  Borden  Hopkinson,  was  admitted  as  assistant 
Secretary. 

Mr.  John  Rumsey  produced  credentials  as  a  Lay  Deputy 
from  the  State  of  Maryland,  and  was  admitted  to  his  seat. 

The  meeting  in  Christ  Church  being  found  inconvenient 
to  the  members  in  several  respects, 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  William  Smith 
and  the  Hon.  Mr.  Secretary  Hopkinson,  be  appointed  to  wait 
upon  his  Excellency,  Thomas  Mifflin,  Esq.,  the  President  of 
the  State,  and  to  request  leave  for  the  Convention  to  hold 
their  meeting  in  some  convenient  apartment  in  the  State 
House. 

The  Convention  then  resolved  itself  into  a  Committee  of 
the  whole,  agreeably  to  the  order  of  the  day. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Robert  Smith  in  the  chair. 

And  after  some  time  rose  and  reported  the  following  re 
solve,  viz.: 

Resolved, — That  for  the  better  promotion  of  an  union  of 
this  Church  with  the  eastern  Churches,  the  General  Consti 
tution  established  at  the  last  session  of  this  Convention  is  yet 


1789.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       95 

open  to  amendment  and  alterations,  by  virtue  of  the  powers 
delegated  to  this  Convention. 

The  question  being  put  on  this  Report,  and  a  division 
called  for,  it  was  determined  in  the  affirmative. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to 
confer  with  the  Deputies  from  the  eastern  Churches,  on  the 
subject  of  the  proposed  union  with  those  Churches.  Where 
upon, 

The  Rev.  Dr.  William  Smith,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Robert  Smith, 
Rev.  Dr.  Benjamin  Moore,  Richard  Harrison,  and  Tench 
Coxe,  Esqrs.,  were  chosen  for  this  purpose. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  William  Smith  and  Hon.  Mr.  Hopkinson 
reported,  that  the  President  of  the  State  had  very  politely 
given  permission  to  the  Convention  to  hold  their  meetings  at 
the  State  House,  in  the  apartments  of  the  General  Assembly, 
,until  they  shall  be  wanted  for  the  public  service. 

Adjourned,  to  meet  at  the  State  House  to-morrow  morning. 


STATE  HOUSE,  IN  THE  CITY  OP  PHILADELPHIA, 

FRIDAY,  October  2d,  1789. 
The  Convention  met. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Robert  Smith,  read  prayers. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  William  Smith,  from  the  Committee  ap 
pointed  to  confer  with  the  Deputies,  from  the  Churches  of 
New  Hampshire,  Massachusetts,  and  Connecticut,  concerning 
a  plan  of  union  among  all  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Churches 
in  the  United  States  of  America,  reported  as  follows ?  viz. 

That  they  have  had  a  full,  free,  and  friendly  conference  with  the  Depu 
ties  of  the  said  Churches,  who,  on  behalf  of  the  Church  in  their  several 
States,  and  by  virtue  of  sufficient  authority  from  them,  have  signified 
that  they  do  not  object  to  the  Constitution  which  was  approved  at  the 
former  session  of  this  Convention,  if  the  third  article  of  that  Constitution 
may  be  so  modified  as  to  declare  explicitly  the  right  of  the  Bishops,  when 
sitting  in  a  separate  House,  to  originate  and  propose  acts  for  the  concur 
rence  of  the  other  House  of  Convention,  and  to  negative  such  acts  pro 
posed  by  the  other  House  as  they  may  disapprove. 

Your  Committee  conceiving  this  alteration  to  be  desirable  in  itself,  as 
having  a  tendency  to  give  greater  stability  to  the  Constitution,  without 
diminishing  any  security  that  is  now  possessed  by  the  Clergy  or  Laity ; 
and  being  sincerely  impressed  with  the  importance  of  an  'union  to  the  fu 
ture  prosperity  of  the  Church,  do  therefore  recommend  to  the  Convention 
a  compliance  with  the  wishes  of  their  brethren,  and  that  the  third  article 
of  the  ConstituHion  may  be  altered  accordingly.  Upon  such  alteration 


96       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1789 

being  made,  it  is  declared  by  the  Deputies  from  the  Churches  in  the  east 
em  States,  that  they  will  subscribe  the  Constitution,  and  become  members 
of  this  General  Convention. 

Upon  special  motion,  the  above  Report  was  read  a  second 
time;  whereupon  the  following  resolution  was  proposed,  viz.: 

Resolved, — That  the  Convention  do  adopt  that  part  of  the 
Report  of  the  Committee,  which  proposes  to  modify  the  Third 
Article  of  the  Constitution,  so  as  to  declare  explicitly  "the 
right  of  the  Bishops,  when  sitting  in  a  separate  House,  to 
originate  and  propose  acts  for  the  concurrence  of  the  other 
House  of  Convention,  and  to  negative  such  acts  proposed  by 
the  other  House  as  they  may  disapprove,  provided  they  are 
not  adhered  to  by  four-fifths  of  the  other  House." 

After  some  debate,  the  resolution,  with  the  proviso  an 
nexed,  was  agreed  upon,  and  the  Third  Article  was  accord 
ingly  modified  in  the  manner  following,  viz. : 

ART.  3.  The  Bishops  of  this  Church,  when  there  shall  be  three  or  more, 
shall,  whenever  General  Conventions  are  held,  form  a  separate  House, 
with  a  right  to  originate  and  propose  acts  for  the  concurrence  of  the 
House  of  Deputies,  composed  of  Clergy  and  Laity ;  and  when  any  pro 
posed  act  shall  have  passed  the  House  of  Deputies,  the  same  shall  be 
transmitted  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  who  shall  have  a  negative  there 
upon,  unless  adhered  to  by  four-fifths  of  the  other  House :  and  all  acts  of 
the  Convention  shall  be  authenticated  by  both  Houses.  And,  in  all  cases, 
the  House  of  Bishops  shall  signify  to  the  Convention  their  approbation  or 
disapprobation,  the  latter,  with  their  reasons  in  writing,  within  three  days 
after  the  proposed  act  shall  have  been  reported  to  them  for  concurrence ; 
and  in  failure  thereof,  it  shall  have  the  operation  of  a  law.  But  until 
there  shall  be  three  or  more  Bishops  as  aforesaid,  any  Bishop  attending  a 
General  Convention,  shall  be  a  member  ex  officio,  and  shall  vote  with  the 
Clerical  Deputies  of  the  State  to  which  he  belongs:  and  a  Bishop  shall 
then  preside. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  it  be  made  known  to  the  se 
veral  State  Conventions,  that  it  is  proposed  to  consider  and 
determine,  in  the  next  General  Convention,  on  the  propriety 
of  investing  the  House  of  Bishops  with  a  full  negative  upon 
the  proceedings  of  the  other  House. 

Ordered,  that  the  General  Constitution  of  this  Church,  as 
now  altered  and  amended,  be  laid  before  the  Right  Rev.  Dr. 
Seabury,  and  the  Deputies  from  the  Churches  in  the  eastern 
States,  for  their  approbation  and  assent. 

After  a  short  time,  they  delivered  the  following  testimony 
of  their  assent  to  the  same  viz. : 


1789.]         JOURNAL   OF  THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.  97 

OCTOBER  2,  1789. 

We  do  hereby  agree  to  the  Constitution  of  the  Church,  as  modified  this 
day  in  Convention. 

SAMUEL  SEABURY,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the  Epis 
copal  Church  in  Connecticut. 
ABRAHAM    JARVIS,  A.M.,  Rector  of   Christ 

Church,  Middletown: 

BELA    HUBBARD,   A.M.,   Rector    of   Trinity 
Church,  New  Haven : 

STATE  OF  CONNECTICUT. 
SAMUEL    PARKER,   D.D.,  Rector   of  Trinity 
Church,  Boston,  and  Clerical  Deputy  for 
Massachusetts  and  New  Hampshire. 

After  subscribing  as  above,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Sea- 
bury,  and  the  Clerical  Deputies  aforesaid,  took  their  seats 
as  members  of  the  Convention. 

On  motion,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker  and  Rev.  Mr.  Jarvis, 
were  added  to  the  Committee  for  revising  the  Canons. 

Adjourned. 


STATE  HOUSE,  SATURDAY,  October  3d,  1789. 

The  Convention  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Ogden  read  prayers. 

Mr.  Charles  Goldsborough  produced  the  credentials  of  his 
appointment  as  a  Lay  Deputy  from  the  Church  in  Maryland, 
and  took  his  seat  accordingly. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White  informed  the  Convention 
that  he  had  received  certain  letters  from  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Provost,  with  a  request  that  they  may  be  communi 
cated  to  the  Convention ;  which  were  read  accordingly. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That,  agreeably  to  the  Constitu 
tion  of  the  Church,  as  altered  and  confirmed,  there  is  now  in 
this  Convention  a  separate  House  of  Bishops. 

The  Bishops  now  withdrawing,  the  President's  chair  was 
declared  vacant;  whereupon  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  proceeded  to  the  election  of  a  President  by  ballot, 
and  the  Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D.,  Clerical  Deputy  from 
Maryland  (Provost  of  the  College  of  Philadelphia)  was  duly 
chosen,  and  took  the  chair  accordingly. 

Resolved, — That  seats  be  provided  on  the  right  hand  of 
the  chair,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Bishops,  when  they 
shall  choose  to  be  present  at  the  proceedings  and  debates  of 
this  House. 


HERE  ends  the  Journal  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Conven 
tion,  as  consisting  of  a  single  House.  The  Journals  of  the 
two  Houses  will  now  follow,  separately;  to  which  will  be 
prefixed  the  General  Ecclesiastical  Constitution,  as  subscrib 
ed  and  entered  on  the  Book  of  Records,  which  will  answer 
the  intention,  as  well  of  exhibiting  a  List  of  the  Members  of 
both  Houses  in  Convention,  as  of  defining  their  separate 
rights  and  powers. 
(98) 


(JonsHhiHon 


OF  THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH  IN  THE  UNITED 
STATES  OF  AMERICA. 

ART.  1.  There  shall  be  a  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episco 
pal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  Sep 
tember,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1 7  92rand  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  September 
in  every  third  year  afterwards,  in  such  place  as  shall  be  determined  by  the 
Convention;  and  special  meetings  may  be  called  at  other  times,  in  the 
manner  hereafter  to  be  provided  for;  and  this  Church,  in  a  majority  of  the 
States  which  shall  have  adopted  this  Constitution,  shall  be  represented, 
before  they  shall  proceed  to  business,  except  that  the  representation  from 
two  States  shall  be  sufficient  to  adjourn ;  and  in  all  business  of  the  Con 
vention,  freedom  of  debate  shall  be  allowed. 

ART.  2.  The  Church  in  each  State  shall  be  entitled  to  a  representation 
of  both  the  Clergy  and  the  Laity,  which  representation  shall  consist  of 
one  or  more  Deputies,  not  exceeding  four  of  each  Order,  chosen  by  the 
Convention  of  the  State :  and  in  all  questions,  when  required  by  the  Cleri 
cal  or  Lay  representation  from  any  State,  each  Order  shall  have  one  vote ; 
and  the  majority  of  suffrages  by  States  shall  be  conclusive  in  each  Order, 
provided  such  majority  comprehend  a  majority  of  the  States  represented 
in  that  Order.  The  concurrence  of  both  Orders  shall  be  necessary  to 
constitute  a  vote  of  the  Convention.  If  the  Convention  of  any  State 
should  neglect  or  decline  to  appoint  Clerical  Deputies,  or  if  they  should 
neglect  or  decline  to  appoint  Lay  Deputies,  or  if  any  of  those  of  either 
Order  appointed  should  neglect  to  attend,  or  be  prevented  by  sickness  or 
any  other  accident,  such  State  shall  nevertheless  be  considered  as  duly  re 
presented  by  such  Deputy  or  Deputies  as  may  attend,  whether  lay  or  cle 
rical.  And  if,  through  the  neglect  of  the  Convention  of  any  of  the 
Churches  which  shall  have  adopted,  or  may  hereafter  adopt  this  Constitu 
tion,  no  Deputies,  either  Lay  or  Clerical,  should  attend  at  any  General 
Convention,  the  Church  in  such  State  shall  nevertheless  be  bound  by  the 
acts  of  such  Convention. 

ART.  3.  The  Bishops  of  this  Church,  when  there  shall  be  three  or  more, 
shall,  whenever  General  Conventions  are  held,  form  a  separate  House, 
with  a  right  to  originate  and  propose  acts  for  the  concurrence  of  the 
House  of  Deputies,  composed  of  Clergy  and  Laity ;  and  when  any  pro 
posed  act  shall  have  passed  the  House  of  Deputies,  the  same  shall  be 
transmitted  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  who  shall  have  a  negative  thereupon 
unless  adhered  to  by  four-fifths  of  the  other  House.  And  all  acts  of  the 
Convention  shall  be  authenticated  by  both  Houses.  And  in  all  cases, 
the  House  of  Bishops  shall  signify  to  the  Convention  their  approba 
tion  or  disapprobation,  the  latter  with  their  reasons  in  writing,  within 
three  days  after  the  proposed  act  shall  have  been  reported  to  them  for 
concurrence,  and  in  failure  thereof  it  shall  have  the  operation  of  a  law. 

(99) 


100      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1789. 

But  until  there  shall  be  three  or  more  Bishops  as  aforesaid,  any  Bishop 
attending  a  General  Convention  shall  be  a  member  ex  officio,  and  shall 
vote  with  the  Clerical  Deputies  of  the  State  to  which  he  belongs  ;  and 
a  Bishop  shall  then  preside. 

ART.  4.  The  Bishop  or  Bishops  in  every  State  shall  be  chosen  agree 
ably  to  such  rules  as  shall  be  fixed  by  the  Convention  of  that  State.  And 
every  Bishop  of  this  Church  shall  confine  the  exercise  of  his  Episcopal 
office  to  his  proper  Diocese  or  District,  unless  requested  to  ordain  or  con 
firm,  or  perform  any  other  act  of  the  Episcopal  office,  by  any  Church 
destitute  of  a  Bishop. 

ART.  5.  A  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  anv  of  the  United  States 
not  now  represented,  may,  at  any  time  hereafter,  be  admitted,  on  acced 
ing  to  this  Constitution. 

ART.  6.  In  everv  State,  the  mode  of  trying  Clergymen  shall  be  institut 
ed  by  the  Convention  of  the  Church  therein.  At  every  trial  of  a  Bishop 
there  shall  be  one  or  more  of  the  Episcopal  Order  present:  and  none  but 
a  Bishop  shall  pronounce  sentence  of  deposition  or  degradation  from  the 
Ministry  on  any  Clergyman,  whether  Bishop,  or  Presbyter,  or  Deacon. 

ART.  7.  No  person  shall  be  admitted  to  Holy  Orders,  until  he  shall 
have  been  examined  by  the  Bishop  and  by  two  Presbyters,  and  shall 
have  exhibited  such  testimonials  and  other  requisites  as  the  Canons  in 
that  case  provided  may  direct.  Nor  shall  any  person  be  ordained  until 
he  shall  have  subscribed  the  following  declaration :  "  I  do  believe  the 
Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament  to  be  the  word  of  God, 
and  to  contain  all  things  necessary  to  salvation :  and  I  do  solemnly  en 
gage  to  conform  to  the  doctrines  and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  these  United  States."  No  person  ordained  by  a  foreign  Bishop 
shall  be  permitted  to  officiate  as  a  Minister  of  .this  Church,  until  he  shall 
have  complied  with  the  Canon  or  Canons  in  that  case  provided,  and  have 
also  subscribed  the  aforesaid  declaration. 

ART.  8.  A  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  Administration  of  the  Sacra 
ments,  and  other  Rites  and  Ceremonies  of  the  Church,  Articles  of  Reli 
gion,  and  a  form  and  manner  of  making,  ordaining,  and  consecrating 
Bishops,  Priests,  and  Deacons,  when  established  by  this  or  a  future  Gen 
eral  Convention,  shall  be  used  in  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
those  States,  which  shall  have  adopted  this  Constitution. 

ART.  9.  This  Constitution  shall  be  unalterable,  unless  in  General  Con 
vention  by  the  Church  in  a  majority  of  the  States  which  may  have  adopt 
ed  the  same ;  and  all  alterations  shall  be  first  proposed  in  one  General 
Convention,  and  made  known  to  the  several  State  Conventions,  before 
they  shall  be  finally  agreed  to,  or  ratified,  in  the  ensuing  General  Con 
vention. 

Done  in  General  Convention  of  the  Bishops,  Clergy,  and  Laity  of  the 
Church,  the  second  day  of  October,  1789,  and  ordered  to  be  transcribed 
into  the  Book  of  Records,  and  subscribed,  which  was  done  as  follows, 
vi/. • — 

IN  THE  HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS. 

SAMUEL  SEABURY,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Con 
necticut. 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  Penn 
sylvania. 


1789.] 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION. 


101 


IN  THE  HOUSE  OP  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  < 
MASSACHUSETTS 

CONNECTICUT    . 


NEW  YORK    .    .    . 


NEW  JERSEY.    . 


PENNSYLVANIA    . 


DELAWARE     .    .    . 
MARYLAND    .    .    . 

VIRGINIA  .... 
SOUTH  CAROLINA 


WILLIAM  SMITH,  D.D.,  President  of  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies, 
and  Clerical  Deputy  from  Maryland. 

E 

SAMUEL  PARKER,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Trinity 
Church,  Boston. 

BELA  HUBBARD,  A.M.,  Rector  of  Trinity 
Church,  New  Haven. 

ABRAHAM  JARVIS,  A.M.,  Rector  of  Christ 
Church,  Middletown. 

BENJAMIN  MOORE,  D.D.,  ")     Assistant 
ABRAHAM  BEACH,  D.D.,     /Ministers  of 
Trinity  Church,   in  the  City  of  New 
York. 

RICHARD  HARRISON,  Lay  Deputy  from 
the  State  of  New  York. 

UZAL  OGDEN,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church, 
Newark. 

WILLIAM  FRAZER,  A.M.,  Rector  of  St.  Mi 
chael's  Church,  Trenton,  and  St.  An 
drew's  Church,  Amwell. 

SAMUEL  OGDEN,          )  T       ^       ,. 

R.  STRETTELL  JONES,  }Lay  Deputies. 

SAMUEL  MAGAW,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St. 
Paul's,  Philadelphia. 

ROBERT  BLACKWELL,  D.D.,  Senior  As 
sistant  Minister  of  Christ  Church  and 
St.  Peter's,  Philadelphia. 

JOSEPH  G.  J.  BEND,  Assistant  Minister 
of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's,  Phi 
ladelphia. 

JOSEPH  PILMORE,  Rector  of  the  United 
Churches  of  Trinity,  St.  Thomas,  and 
All  Saints. 

GERARDUS  CLARKSON,     Lay     Deputies 

TENCH  COXE,  |  from  the  State 

FRANCIS  HOPKINSON,    j    of  Pennsylva- 

SAMUEL  POWEL,  nia. 

JOSEPH  COWDEN,  A.M.,  Rector  of  St. 
Anne's. 

ROBERT  CLAY,  Rector  of  Emanuel  and 
St.  James's  Churches. 

JOHN  BISSETT,  A.M.,  Rector  of  Shrews 
bury  Parish,  Kent  County. 

JOHN  RUMSEY,  1         Lay 

CHARLES  GOLDSBOROUGH,  J    Deputies. 

JOHN  BRACKEN,  Rector  of  Bruton  Pa 
rish,  Williamsburg. 

ROBERT  ANDREWS,  Lay  Deputy. 

ROBERT  SMITH,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Phi 
lip's  Church,  Charleston. 


102      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1789 

WILLIAM  SMITH,       \  Lay  Deputies  from 
WILLIAM  BRISBANE,  J  the  State  of  South 
Carolina. 

Sundry  other  members  attended  this  Convention  at  dif 
ferent  times  of  sitting,  but  were  absent  on  the  day  of  sign 
ing  the  Constitution.  See  the  names  occasionally  entered 
on  the  Journal. 


JOURNAL 


OP   THE 


of  Qfcrirel  anb  Eeg 


tl  .          STATE  HOUSE,  SATURDAY,  October  3d,  1789. 
1 U £  Bishops  having  withdrawn,  and  a  President  being 
chosen   as   aforesaid,  the   House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  proceeded  to  business, as  follows,  viz. 

The  Committee  on  the  Canons  being  called  upon,  reported 
progress,  and  had  leave  to  sit  again. 

Resolved, — That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  prepare  a 
Calendar  and  tables  of  Lessons  for  Morning  and  Evening 
Prayer  throughout  the  year;  also  Collects,  Epistles,  and 
Gospels; — and  Rev.  Dr.  Parker,  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  Rev.  Mr. 
Bend,  Dr.  Clarkson,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Jarvis  were  chosen  for 
this  purpose. 

Resolved, — That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  prepare  a 
Morning  and  Evening  Service  for  the  use  of  the  Church. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Hubbard,  Rev.  Dr.  Robert  Smith,  Rev.  Dr. 
Blackwell,  Mr.  Rumsey,  and  Mr.  Andrews,  were  chosen. 

Resolved, — That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  prepare  a 
Litany,  with  occasional  prayers  and  thanksgivings;  and 
Rev.  Dr.  Beach,  Rev.  Mr.  Bracken,  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset,  Mr. 
Hopkinson,  and  Mr.  Goldsborough  were  chosen. 

Resolved, — That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  prepare  an 
order  for  the  administration  of  the  Holy  Communion;  and 
Rev.  Mr.  Pilmore,  Rev.  Mr.  Ogden,  Col.  Ogden,  Rev.  Mr. 
Frazer,  and  Mr.  Sykes  were  appointed. 

Adjourned  to  Monday  morning. 

(103) 


104  JOURNAL   OF   THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.          [1789, 

MONDAY,  October  5th,  1789. 

The  House  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset  read  prayers. 

William  Smith,  Esq.,  from  South  Carolina,  took  his  seat 
in  the  House. 

The  Standing  Committee  appointed  at  the  former  session 
of  this  Convention,  made  report  as  follows: 

That  they  had  forwarded  the  address  to  the  Most  Reverend  the  Arch 
bishops  of  Canterbury  and  York ;  and  that  they  prepared  and  forwarded 
answers  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker  and  the  Clergy  of  Massachusetts  and  New 
Hampshire ;  that  they  answered,  as  far  as  was  necessary,  the  letters  of 
the  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Seabury;  that  they  notified  the  Church  in  the 
several  States  not  included  in  this  union,  the  time  and  place  to  which  the 
Convention  had  adjourned,  and  requested  their  sending  Deputies  to  the 
same,  for  the  good  purposes  of  union  and  general  government;  and  that 
they  inclosed,  in  each  of  the  communications  mentioned  in  this  Report,  a 
copy  of  the  minutes  and  proceedings  of  this  Convention  at  their  last 
session. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bend  were  ap 
pointed  to  assist  the  Secretary  in  preparing  the  minutes  for 
the  press. 

The  Committee  on  the  morning  and  evening  service  re 
ported  a  morning  service,  which  was  read,  and  afterwards 
considered  by  paragraphs. 

Adjourned. 


TUESDAY,  October  6th,  1789. 

The  House  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bend  read  prayers. 

The  Committee  on  the  Litany,  etc.,  reported  a  Litany, 
which  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Resolved, — That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  report  in 
what  manner  the  Psalms  should  be  used,  whereupon  the  fol 
lowing  members  were  elected  by  ballot  for  that  service: 
Mr.  Andrews,  Mr.  Hopkinson,  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  Rev.  Dr. 
Parker,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Robert  Smith. 

The  Convention  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
report  on  the  morning  service,  and  having  made  farther  pro 
gress  therein, 

Adjourned  to  Thursday  morning. 


1789.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      105 

THURSDAY,  October  8th,  1T89. 

The  House  met. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Parker  read  prayers. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bloomer,  from  New  York,  Mr.  Brisbane, 
from  South  Carolina,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw,  from  Penn 
sylvania,  took  their  seats  in  the  House. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Hubbard  was  chosen  Vice-President  of  this 
House. 

The  Convention  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report 
on  the  morning  service,  and  completed  the  same. 

Ordered,  that  it  be  transcribed,  and  authenticated  by  the 
President  and  Secretary,  and  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  R.  Smith 
and  Mr.  Andrews  carry  it  to  the  House  of  Bishops  for  their 
concurrence. 

Ordered,  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker  and  Rev.  Mr.  Bend,  of 
the  Committee  on  the  Lessons,  Calendar,  etc.,  carry  their  re 
port,  as  far  as  they  have  prepared  it,  to  the  House  of  Bish 
ops  for  their  consideration. 

Mr.  Harrison  and  Mr.  Rumsey  obtained  leave  of  absence. 

Adjourned. 


FRIDAY,  October  9th,  1789. 

The  House  met. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw  read  prayers. 

The  Committee  on  the  morning  and  evening  service  report 
ed  an  evening  service,  which  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on 
the  table. 

The  Committee  on  the  Communion  Service  made  a  report, 
which  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  report  on  the  Litany  was  then  taken  up,  and  some 
progress  made  in  the  consideration  thereof. 

Adjourned. 


SATURDAY,  October  10th,  1789. 

The  House  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Frazer  read  prayers. 

The  Committee  on  the  Calendar,  etc.,  brought  in  the  re 
mainder  of  their  report,  which  was  ordered  to  be  laid  before 
the  House  of  Bishops. 


106  JOURNAL   OF   THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.         [1789. 

The  House  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report 
on  the  Litany,  and  completed  the  same. 

Ordered,  that  the  Litany  be  transcribed,  and  authenticated 
by  the  President  and  Secretary. 

The  proposed  tables  of  Lessons  for  Sundays  and  other 
Holy  Days  were  returned  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  with 
some  amendments. 

On  motion,  the  tables  of  Lessons  for  Sundays  and  other 
Holy  Days,  as  amended  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  were  re 
committed  to  the  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  them. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  report  in  what  manner  the 
Psalms  shall  be  used,  made  a  report,  which  was  read,  agreed 
to,  and  directed  to  be  transmitted  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  evening  service  was  then  considered,  amended,  and 
ordered  to  be  transcribed  and  authenticated;  and  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Beach  and  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset  were  appointed  to  carry  it 
to  the  House  of  Bishops  for  their  concurrence. 

The  report  on  the  Communion  Service  was  taken  up,  and 
some  progress  made  in  the  consideration  thereof. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  with 
their  assent  to  the  Calendar,  the  Epistles  and  Gospels,  and 
proposing  certain  amendments  to  the  Collects  laid  before 
them;  which  amendments  were  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Ogden  had  leave  of  absence. 

It  having  been  notified  that  the  public  service  of  the  State 
of  Pennsylvania  would  require  the  use  of  the  State  House 
during  the  present  week, 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  Christ  Church  on  Monday  morning 
next. 


CHRIST  CHURCH,  MONDAY,  October  12th,  1789. 

The  Convention  met,  and  it  being  represented  that  conve 
nient  apartments  might  be  had  in  the  College  of  Philadel 
phia  for  the  meeting  of  both  Houses  of  Convention,  during 
the  remainder  of  the  present  session, 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  the  College  immediately. 

COLLEGE  OF  PHILADELPHIA. 
The  House  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Frazer  read  prayers. 
A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  re- 


1789.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     107 

turning  the  proposed  Litany  and  form  of  Morning  Prayer, 
with  amendments,  and  proposing  a  form  of  public  baptism 
of  infants. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  amendments  of 
the  House  of  Bishops  to  the  tables  of  Lessons  for  Sundays, 
etc.,  advised  a  concurrence  of  this  house  in  the  said  amend 
ments. 

Resolved, — That  this  report  be  agreed  to,  and  that  the 
said  tables  of  Lessons  be  authenticated. 

The  house  then  took  up  the  amendments  proposed  by  the 
House  of  Bishops  to  the  form  of  Morning  Prayer  and  the 
Litany,  some  of  which  were  adopted,  and  others  non-con 
curred. 

Ordered,  that  they  be  transmitted  to  the  House  of  Bishops 
with  the  determination  of  this  house. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  pro 
posing  a  form  for  the  solemnization  of  matrimony;  also 
amendments  to  the  report  concerning  the  Psalms.  These 
amendments  were  considered,  some  agreed  to,  and  others 
non-concurred. 

Ordered,  that  the  House  of  Bishops  be  informed  of  the 
said  determination. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  pro 
posing  an  order  for  the  visitation  of  the  sick. 

Resolved, — That,  in  future,  this  house  will  meet  at  9 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  adjourn  at  2  in  the  afternoon, 
to  meet  again  at  4. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 


TUESDAY,  October  13th,  1789. 

The  House  met. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Beach  read  prayers. 

The  report  on  the  Communion  Service  was  resumed,  con 
sidered  by  paragraphs,  and  agreed  to. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  pro 
posing  a  form  of  Burial  Service,  and  the  order  in  which  the 
Psalter  shall  be  used ;  and  also  requesting  a  conference  with 
this  house  on  the  proposed  amendments  of  the  Morning 
Prayer  and  Litany. 

It  was  agreed  that  this  request  should  be  complied  with, 

(93) 


108  JOURNAL   OF  THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.  [1789. 

at  5  o'clock  this  afternoon.  The  Secretary  was  ordered  to 
inform  the  House  of  Bishops  of  this,  and  he  returned  with 
their  concurrence.  Adjourned. 

Four  o'Clock,  P.M. 

The  House  met. 

Resolved, — That  the  intended  conference  with  the  House  of 
Bishops  be  deferred  to  a  future  time. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Parker  and  Rev.  Dr.  Moore  were  desired  to 
inform  the  House  of  Bishops  of  this  resolution,  and  returned 
with  the  concurrence  of  that  house. 

Six  additional  Collects,  reported  by  the  Committee  on  the 
Communion  Service,  were  considered  and  agreed  to,  and, 
with  the  Communion  Service,  ordered  to  be  transcribed  and 
transmitted  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  pro 
posing  the  manner  and  form  of  setting  forth  the  Book  of 
Psalms  in  metre. 

The  Committee  on  the  Litany,  etc.,  reported  certain  oc 
casional  prayers  and  thanksgivings,  which,  with  some  few 
amendments,  were  adopted,  and  ordered  to  be  transmitted  to 
the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  Convention  then  took  up  the  form  of  Public  Bap 
tism  of  Infants,  which  they  amended,  and  returned  to  the 
House  of  Bishops. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  following  clause  be  added 
to  the  Seventh  Canon  of  this  Church. 

Unless  it  shall  be  recommended  to  the  Bishop  by  two-thirds  of  the  State 
Convention  to  which  he  belongs,  to  dispense  with  the  aforesaid  requisition 
in  whole  or  in  part :  which  recommendation  shall  only  be  for  good  causes 
moving  thereunto,  and  shall  be  in  the  following  words,  with  the  signature 
of  the  names  of  the  majority  of  such  Convention:  "  We  whose  names  are 
underwritten,  are  of  opinion,  that  the  dispensing  with  the  knowledge  of 
the  Latin  and  Greek  languages  (or  either  of  them,  as  the  case  may  be) 
in  the  examination  of  A.  B.  for  Holy  Orders,  will  be  of  use  to  the  Church 
of  which  we  are  the  Convention,  in  consideration  of  other  qualifications 
of  the  said  A.  B.  for  the  Gospel  ministry. 

The  above  clause  being  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  re 
ceived  their  concurrence. 
Adjourned. 


1789.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      109 

WEDNESDAY,  October  14th,  1789. 

The  House  met. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Parker  read  prayers. 

The  form  for  the  Solemnization  of  Matrimony  was  consi 
dered  and  amended,  and  transmitted  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
forming  that  they  had  passed  the  form  of  Public  Baptism  of 
Infants,  with  the  amendments  of  this  house,  and  proposing  a 
form  for  the  private  baptism  of  infants,  and  a  form  of  bap 
tism  of  those  of  riper  years. — Adjourned. 

Four  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  House  met. 

The  Burial  Service  was  considered,  amended,  and  trans 
mitted  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  with 
amendments  to  the  Communion  Service,  and  with  the  form 
for  the  Solemnization  of  Matrimony,  which  they  had  passed 
as  amended  by  this  house. 

The  amendments  to  the  Communion  Service  were  consider 
ed,  amended,  and  transmitted  to  the  House  of  Bishops ;  and 
the  Service,  thus  amended,  was,  with  the  six  additional  Col 
lects,  assented  to  and  returned  by  the  said  House. 

Adjourned. 


THURSDAY,  October  15th,  1789. 

The  House  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Pilmore  read  prayers. 

The  order  in  which  the  Psalter  shall  be  read,  was  consi 
dered  and  agreed  to. 

The  house  then  went  into  a  conference  with  the  House  of 
Bishops,  which  continued  till  2  o'clock. — Adjourned. 

Four  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  House  met. 

The  Constitution,  as  copied  in  the  Book  of  Records,  was 
read  and  compared,  and,  having  received  an  alteration  as  to 
the  time  of  the  future  meetings  of  the  Convention,  was  sign 
ed  by  both  Houses  of  Convention. 

The  Committee  on  the  Canons  reported  certain  Canons, 


110      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1789. 

which,  being  considered   and  amended,   were  ratified,   and 
transmitted  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  house  again  went  into  a  conference  with  the  House  of 
Bishops,  in  the  course  of  which  it  was  agreed,  that  the  Book 
of  Common  Prayer,  to  be  set  forth  by  this  Convention,  shall 
be  in  use  from  the  1st  day  of  October,  1790. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  pro 
posing  a  Catechism,  Confirmation,  and  forms  of  prayer  for 
families,  and  containing  their  assent  to  the  Burial  Service, 
except  the  first  rubric;  in  their  amendment  to  which  this 
house  concurred. 

Dr.  Parker  obtained  leave  of  absence  after  to-morrow  noon. 

On  motion,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Blackwell,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ogden, 
and  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset,  were  appointed  a  Committee  to  report 
what  further  measures  are  necessary  to  perpetuate  the  suc 
cession  of  Bishops  in  America. — Adjourned. 


FRIDAY,  October  16th,  1789. 

The  Convention  met. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Beach  read  prayers. 

The  House  of  Bishops  returned  the  Canons,  with  an 
amendment,  in  which  this  house  concurred;  and  they  also 
proposed  a  title-page  to  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  which 
was  read  and  passed. 

The  Canons  now  passed,  together  with  those  passed  at  the 
last  session,  being  collected  into  one  body,  and  ratified  by 
both  houses,  were  directed  to  be  entered  in  the  Book  of 
Records,  and  printed  with  the  Journal  of  this  Convention. 
(See  Appendix.) 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bend  proposed  a  table  of  proper  Psalms  for 
certain  days,  which  was  passed,  and  sent  to  the  House  of 
Bishops. 

A  preface  and  table  of  contents  were  sent  to  this  house 
by  the  House  of  Bishops,  which,  with  their  concurrence, 
were  referred  to  the  Committee  to  be  appointed  to  superin 
tend  the  publication  of  the  Book  about  to  be  issued  by  the 
Convention. 

Tables  for  finding  the  Holy  Days,  and  tables  of  the 
Moveable  and  Immoveable  Feasts,  which  had  been  proposed 
by  the  House  of  Bishops,  were  passed. 

The  House  of  Bishops  returned  the  order  of  Evening 
Prayer,  with  an  amendment,  to  which  this  house  agreed. 


1789.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      Ill 

They  also  transmitted  to  this  house  amendments  to  the  oc 
casional  prayers  and  thanksgivings,  and  a  form  for  the 
churching  of  women,  a  form  of  thanksgiving  for  the  fruits  of 
the  earth,  additional  prayers  for  the  visitation  of  the  sick, 
and  a  form  of  ratification  of  the  Prayer  Book. 

The  amendments  of  the  House  of  Bishops  to  the  occa 
sional  prayers  and  thanksgivings  were  considered  and  as 
sented  to. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  with 
their  assent  to  the  table  of  proper  Psalms ;  and  proposing  a 
form  of  prayer  to  be  used  at  sea,  and  a  form  of  prayer  for 
the  visitation  of  prisoners,  also  an  order  for  the  communion 
of  the  sick. 

The  manner  and  form  of  setting  forth  the  Book  of  Psalms 
in  metre  was  considered,  amended,  and  returned  to  the 
House  of  Bishops. 

The  additional  prayers  for  the  visitation  of  the  sick  were 
considered,  and  passed  with  an  amendment,  to  which  the 
House  of  Bishops  agreed. 

The  order  for  the  visitation,  and  the  order  for  the  commu 
nion  of  the  sick,  were  agreed  to. 

The  form  of  the  ratification  of  the  Book  of  Common 
Prayer  was  agreed  to. 

The  House  of  Bishops  propos-ed,  for  the  adoption  of  this 
house,  Articles  of  Religion,  which,  with  the  concurrence  of 
the  House  of  Bishops,  were  referred  to  a  future  Convention. 

The  form  of  the  visitation  of  prisoners  was  then  passed. 

The  form  of  thanksgiving  for  the  fruits  of  the  earth  was 
assented  to ;  also  the  form  of  prayer  to  be  used  at  sea. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  with 
their  assent  to  the  amendments  proposed  to  the  manner  and 
form  of  setting  forth  the  Book  of  Psalms  in  metre. 

The  order  for  the  administration  of  the  baptism  of  those 
of  riper  years  was  considered  and  passed;  also  the  form  of 
private  baptism  of  infants. 

A  message  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  proposing 
that  the  Ash  Wednesday  Service,  as  set  forth  in  the  proposed 
book,  should  be  adopted,  instead  of  the  commination  for 
merly  used ;  to  which  the  House  of  Bishops  assented. 

The  Confirmation,  and  the  forms  of  family. morning  and 
evening  prayer,  were  considered  and  adopted. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  pro- 


112      JOURNAL  OP  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1789. 

posing  an  alteration  in  the  Litany,  which  was  sent  back  with 
an  amendment,  in  which  the  House  of  Bishops  concurred. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  with 
their  assent  to  the  Morning  Prayer,  and  the  report  on  the 
Psalms. 

Adjourned. 

Four  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  House  met. 

The  Catechism  was  considered,  amended,  and  transmitted 
to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  form  for  the  churching  of  women  was  agreed  to ;  and 
it  was  resolved,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  that  the  thanksgiving  in  the  said  form  should  be  inserted 
among  the  occasional  thanksgivings,  and  used,  at  the  dis 
cretion  of  the  Minister,  instead  of  the  whole  Office. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  William  Smith,  Rev.  Dr. 
Magaw,  Rev.  Dr.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Hopkinson,  and  Mr.  Coxe, 
be  a  Committee  to  superintend  the  printing  of  the  Book  of 
Common  Prayer,  as  set  forth  by  this  Convention,  and  that 
they  advise  with  any  person  or  persons  who  shall  be  appoint 
ed  by  the  House  of  Bishops  for  the  same  purpose. 

Resolved, — That  the  Committee  appointed  to  superintend 
the  printing  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  etc.,  be  in 
structed  to  have  the  selections  of  Psalms,  set  forth  by  this 
Church,  printed  immediately  before  the  Psalter ;  and,  besides 
a  full  and  complete  edition  of  the  said  book,  printed  in  folio 
or  octavo,  or  in  both,  to  have  an  edition  published,  to  contain 
only  the  parts  in  general  use  and  the  Collects  of  the  day, 
with  references  to  the  Epistles  and  Gospels. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  with 
their  assent  to  the  Catechism,  as  amended ;  and  with  infor 
mation  that  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop  White  consents  to 
advise  with  the  Committee  appointed  by  this  house  to  super 
intend  the  printing  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  etc. 

Mr.  Tench  Coxe  was  elected  Treasurer  of  the  Convention. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  a  Standing  Com 
mittee,  to  act  during  the  recess  of  the  Convention : — The 
Reverend  Dr.  William  Smith,  ex  officio,  Reverend  Dr.  Par 
ker,  Reverend  Mr.  Hubbard,  Reverend  Dr.  Beach,  Mr. 
Harrison,  Reverend  Mr.  Ogden,  Mr.  Jones,  Reverend  Dr. 
Blackwell,  Mr.  Hopkinson,  Reverend  Mr.  Clay,  Mr.  Sykes, 
Reverend  Mr.  Bisset,  Mr.  Carmichael,  Reverend  Mr. 
Bracken,  Mr.  Andrews,  Reverend  Dr.  Robert  Smith,  and 
Mr.  Brisbane. 


1789.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     113 

Resolved, — That  this  Committee,  or  a  majority  of  them, 
have  power  to  recommend  to  the  Bishops  the  calling  of  spe 
cial  meetings  of  the  Convention,  when  they  think  it  ne 
cessary. 

Resolved, — That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  house,  that  the 
Bishops  have  a  right,  when  they  think  it  necessary,  to  call 
special  Conventions. 

The  Committee  on  the  means  of  perpetuating  the  Episco 
pal  succession  in  the  United  States  of  America,  made  the 
following  report,  which  was  read  and  adopted,  viz. : 

The  Committee  on  the  means  of  perpetuating  the  Episcopal  succession 
in  these  United  States,  are  of  opinion, — 

That  the  Standing  Committee,  which,  agreeably  to  the  Constitution,  is 
chosen,  as  above,  to  act  during  the  recess  of  the  General  Convention, 
ought,  in  the  name  of  the  Convention,  to  recommend  for  consecration 
any  person  who  shall  appear  to  them  to  be  duly  elected  and  qualified  for 
the  Episcopal  office.  That  should  any  person,  elected  and  qualified  as 
above,  be  proposed,  and  should  the  answer  from  the  English  Archbishops 
be  favourable  to  the  intended  plan  of  consecrating  by  the  Right  Rev.  the 
Bishops  Seabury,  White,  and  Provoost,  the  Committee  shall  write  to  the 
said  three  Bishops,  intimating  that  it  is  the  will  and  desire  of  the  Gen 
eral  Convention,  that  such  consecration  should,  as  soon  as  convenient, 
take  place.  That,  should  the  answer  from  England  be  unfavourable,  or 
any  obstacle  occur,  by  the  death  of  either  of  the  three  Bishops,  or  other 
wise,  the  said  Committee  shall  recommend  any  Bishop  elect  to  England, 
for  consecration. 

Resolved, — That,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  House  of 
Bishops,  the  next  meeting  of  the  Convention  be  in  the  city 
of  New  York. 

Resolved, — That  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Seabury  be  re 
quested  to  preach  a  Sermon  at  the  opening  of  the  next  Con 
vention. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties. 

WILLIAM  SMITH,  PRESIDENT. 

FRANCIS  HOPKINSON,  Secretary. 

8 


JOURNAL 


of 


IN  CONVENTION  OF  THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH 
IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA,  HELD  AT  THE 
STATE  HOUSE,  IN  THE  CITY  OF  PHILADELPHIA,  ON 
MONDAY,  THE  5-rn  DAY  OF  OCTOBER,  IN  THE  YEAR  OF 
OUR  LORD,  1789. 


divine  service  in  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  the  House  of  Bishops  met  in  the 
Committee   Room   of    the   Honorable   House    of 
Assembly.     Present : 

The  Right  Rev.  Samuel  Seabury,  D.D.,  and 
The  Right  Rev.  William  White,  D.D. 

The  following  rules  are  agreed  on,  and  established, for  the 
government  of  this  house,  viz. : 

1st.  The  senior  Bishop  present  shall  be  the  President ;  se 
niority  to  be  reckoned  from  the  dates  of  the  Letters  of  Con 
secration. 

2d.  This  house  will  authenticate  its  acts  by  the  signing  of 
the  names  of,  at  least,  the  majority  of  its  members. 

3d.  There  shall  be  a  Secretary  to  this  house. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  it  is  now  established  as  a  tempo 
rary  rule,  that  this  house  will  attend  divine  service,  during 
the  Session,  in  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Clarkson,  A.M.,  is  appointed  the  Secre 
tary  of  this  house. 

(115) 


116     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1789. 

This  house  went  into  a  review  of  the  Morning  and  Even 
ing  Prayer,  and  prepared  some  proposals  on  that  subject. 
Adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


STATE  HOUSE,  TUESDAY,  October  6th,  1789. 
After  divine  service, 
Adjourned  till  9  o'clock  on  Thursday  morning. 


THURSDAY,  October  8th,  1789. 

Divine  service  being  over, 

This  house  went  into  the  consideration  of  the  Litany,  and 
of  the  other  parts  of  the  service  connected  with  the  Morn 
ing  and  Evening  Prayer,  and  completed  their  proposals  on 
that  subject,  excepting  a  few  particulars,  which  they  have 
noted  as  queries  for  their  further  consideration. 

The  house  then  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  Col 
lects,  Epistles,  and  Gospels,  and  from  them  to  the  order  for 
the  administration  of  the  Holy  Communion;  and  having 
prepared  their  proposals  on  these  parts  of  the  service, 

Adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


FRIDAY,  October  9th,  1789. 

Divine  service  being  over, 

The  house  went  into  a  review  of  the  service  for  the  public 
baptism  of  infants,  and  prepared  proposals  on  that  subject. 

The  house  then  received  a  message  from  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Bend,  informing  that  they  had  prepared  tables  of 
lessons  for  Sundays  and  other  holy  days,  to  be  laid  before 
this  house,  which  were  accordingly  presented. 

The  house  went  immediately  into  the  consideration  of  the 
above,  during  which  there  was  received  a  message  from  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Robert 
Smith  and  Robert  Andrews,  Esq.,  with  information  that  they 
had  prepared  a  form  of  Morning  Prayer,  to  be  laid  before 
this  house;  which  was  accordingly  presented. 

The  house  then  proceeded  in  their  examination  of  the  ta- 


1789.]      JOURNAL  or  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.          117 

bles  of  lessons,  and  having  prepared  some  amendments  of 
the  same, 
Adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


SATURDAY,  October  10th,  1789. 

After  divine  service, 

The  house  completed  the  instrument  of  amendments  of 
the  tables  of  lessons,  and  sent  the  same  by  their  Secretary 
to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

This  house  received  a  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker  and  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Bend,  with  information  that  they  had  prepared  proposals 
in  regard  to  the  Calendar,  and  in  regard  to  the  Collects, 
Epistles,  and  Gospels;  which  were  accordingly  presented. 

The  house  then  went  into  the  consideration  of  the  pro 
posed  form  of  Morning  Prayer,  during  which  they  received 
a  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  by 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Beach  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset,  with  informa 
tion  that  they  had  prepared  the  Litany  to  be  laid  before  this 
house  ;  which  was  accordingly  presented. 

The  house  then  went  on  with  the  consideration  of  the 
Morning  Prayer,  when  they  received  another  message  from 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Robert  Smith,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  with  information 
that  they  had  prepared  a  selection  of  Psalms;  which  was 
laid  before  the  house. 

The  house,  after  preparing  their  amendments  of  the  Morn 
ing  Prayer  for  engrossing,  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of 
the  proposed  Litany,  and  prepared  their  amendments  of  that 
service  also  for  engrossing. 

They  then  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  proposed 
Calendar,  and  having  assented  to  the  same,  returned  it  by 
their  Secretary. 

The  house  then  proceeded  to  consider  the  proposals  respect 
ing  the  Collects,  Epistles,  and  Gospels,  and  having  prepared 
their  amendments,  sent  them  by  their  Secretary  to  the  House 
of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

A  message  was  received  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker,  from  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  representing  that  if 
this  house  were  prepared  to  originate  any  parts  of  the  ser- 


118       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1789. 

vice,  it  would  be  agreeable  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  to  receive  them  on  Monday  morning. 

Accordingly  the  Secretary  is  desired  to  prepare  a  copy  of 
the  proposed  form  of  public  baptism  of  infants. 

The  public  service  requiring  the  use  of  the  room  where 
this  house  sit, 

Adjourned  to  the  Apparatus  Room  of  the  College,  there  to 
meet  on  Monday  morning,  at  9  o'clock. 


COLLEGE  OF  PHILADELPHIA, 

MONDAY,  October  12th,  1789. 

Divine  service  being  over, 

The  House  of  Bishops  sent,  by  their  Secretary,  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  their  amendments  of 
the  Morning  Prayer  and  of  the  Litany,  together  with  the  al 
terations,  originated  in  this  house,  of  the  ministration  of  the 
public  baptism  of  infants. 

This  house  received  a  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker,  informing  that 
they  agree  to  the  amendments  proposed  in  regard  to  the 
tables  of  Lessons  for  Sundays,  and  other  holy  days,  except 
ing  the  fourth  amendment,  on  which  they  desire  a  conference. 

This  house  withdrew  the  said  fourth  amendment,  and  de 
sired  Dr.  Parker  to  report  the  same  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies. 

This  house  then  prepared  alterations  of  the  form  of  solem 
nization  of  matrimony,  which  were  accordingly  reported  by 
their  Secretary  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  returned  to  this 
house,  by  the  Hon.  Mr.  Hopkinson,  their  amendments  of 
the  Morning  Prayer  and  Litany,  with  their  concurrence  in 
some  articles  and  non-concurrence  in  others. 

The  house  prepared  alterations  of  the  order  for  the  visita 
tion  of  the  sick,  which  were  accordingly  reported  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  returned  to  this 
house  the  proposed  amendments  of  the  selection  of  Psalms, 
with  their  concurrence  of  some  articles,  and  non-concurrence 
of  others. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  at  9  o'clock. 


1789.]   JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      119 

TUESDAY,  October  13th,  1789. 

Divine  service  being  over, 

The  House  of  Bishops  proceeded  to  prepare, — the  order 
how  the  Psalter  is  appointed  to  be  read ;  the  order  how  the 
rest  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  is  appointed  to  be  read;  and  the 
order  for  the  burial  of  the  dead, — which  being  prepared, 
were  sent  by  the  Secretary  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  together  with  a  message,  requesting  a  conference 
with  that  house  on  the  amendments  of  the  proposed  Morn 
ing  Prayer  and  Litany,  at  such  time  and  in  such  manner  as 
they  shall  agree  upon. 

The  house  then  proceeded  to  prepare  a  commination  ser 
vice,  etc.,  when  they  received  a  message  from  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  by  their  Secretary,  informing 
that,  agreeably  to  the  request  of  this  house,  they  had  ap 
pointed  5  o'clock  this  afternoon  for  a  conference  on  the  pro 
posed  Morning  Prayer  and  Litany. 

The  room  in  which  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu 
ties  meet  was  mutually  agreed  on,  as  most  convenient  for 
the  business. 

Adjourned  till  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Four  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  House  of  Bishops  received  a  message  from  the  House 
of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker  and 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  with  information  that,  if  agreeable  to 
this  house,  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  would 
postpone  the  conference  agreed  to  be  held  this  afternoon, 
until  further  communication;  with  which  this  house  con 
curred. 

This  house  then  prepared  the  form  and  manner  of  sotting 
forth  the  Psalms  in  metre,  and  sent  the  same,  by  their  Se 
cretary,  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies ;  together 
with  the  form  of  Commination,  etc.,  and  tables  of  Moveable 
and  Immoveable  Feasts,  with  tables  for  finding  the  holy 
days. 

The  house  then  received  a  message  from  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Beach,  with  in 
formation,  that  they  had  to  propose  prayers  and  thanks 
givings  for  several  occasions ;  which  were  accordingly  pre 
sented. 

Adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


120  JOURNAL   OF   THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.         [1789. 

WEDNESDAY,  October  14th,  1789. 

Divine  service  being  over, 

This  house  received  a  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker,  with  amend 
ments  of  the  alterations  of  the  Burial  Service,  originated  in 
this  house. 

The  amendments  being  concurred  in,  the  alterations  were 
passed,  and  returned. 

This  house  then  originated  alterations  of  the  services  for 
private  baptism,  and  for  the  baptism  of  adults,  and  sent  the 
same,  by  their  Secretary,  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies. 

A  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies, 
by  the  Hon.  Mr.  Hopkinson,  was  received  by  this  house, 
which  accompanied  amendments  of  the  alteration  of  the 
marriage  service,  originated  in  this  house ;  which  amend 
ments  being  concurred  in,  the  alterations  were  passed  and 
returned. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  a  proposed  Communion  Service,  and  made  amend 
ments. 

Adjourned  till  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Four  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  house  originated  alterations  of  the  Catechism — of  the 
order  of  Confirmation — and  a  form  of  family  prayer — and 
sent  them  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  with 
the  amendments  of  the  Communion  Service ;  which  last  were 
concurred  in,  except  one,  which  being  withdrawn  by  this 
house,  the  service  was  passed,  and  returned. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  9  o'clock. 


THURSDAY,  October  15th,  178y. 

Divine  service  being  over, 

This  house  had  returned  to  them,  from  the  House  of  .Cle 
rical  and  Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker,  the  order 
how  the  Psalter  is  appointed  to  be  read,  and  the  order  how 
the  rest  of  the  Holy  Scripture  is  appointed  to  be  read,  with 
amendments;  all  of  which  were  concurred  in,  except  one, 
which  was  left  for  the  conference,  into  which  the  house  now 


1789.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      121 

went,  agreeably  to  a  former  appointment,  and  in  which  they 
were  employed  during  the  morning  of  this  day. 
Adjourned  till  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Four  o'clock,  P.M. 

This  house  originated,  and  proposed  to  the  House  of  Cle 
rical  and  Lay  Deputies,  alterations  of  the  title-page,  a  form 
of  ratification  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  a  table  of 
contents,  a  form  or  manner  of  printing  the  former  preface, 
and  those  called  "  Of  the  Service  of  the  Church,"  and  "  Of 
Ceremonies:"  these,  with  the  form  of  thanksgiving  of  wo 
men  after  child-birth,  before  prepared,  and  the  amendments 
of  the  occasional  prayers,  were  sent,  by  the  Secretary,  to 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies;  after  which  the 
two  houses  proceeded  in  their  conference. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  9  o'clock. 


FRIDAY,  October  16th,  1789. 

Divine  service  being  over, 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  by  Dr.  Blackwell,  Canons,  as  reported  by  a  Com 
mittee  appointed  at  the  former  session. 

This  house  acceded  to  the  Canons  proposed,  except  the 
amendment  of  one,  in  consequence  of  which  it  was  proposed 
to  withdraw  the  Canon,  which  being  acceded  to,  this  house 
passed  the  Canons. 

This  house  received  by  Robert  Andrews,  Esq.,  the  propos 
ed  order  for  Evening  Prayer,  of  which  they  made  an  amend 
ment,  by  proposing  the  insertion  of  two  hymns,  as  alterna 
tives  to  the  Psalms  already  in  the  Service;  which  being 
agreed  to,  the  order  for  Evening  Prayer  was  passed. 

The  house  received,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bend,  a  table  of  pro 
per  Psalms,  which  was  passed. 

The  house  received,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Beach  and  Robert 
Andrews,  Esq.,  the  table  of  contents,  and  the  other  initial 
parts  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  with  a  proposal  that 
they  should  be  referred  to  a  Committee,  to  sit  in  the  recess  of 
this  Convention;  which  was  agreed  to. 

The  house  received  by  Rev.  Mr.  Ogden  and  Rev.  Mr. 
Bend,  amendments  of  the  form  of  ratification  of  the  Book 
of  Common  Prayer,  and  also  the  form  of  churching  of  wo 
men,  which  are  to  lay  over  for  consideration. 


122      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1789. 

This  house  originated  and  sent  to  the  house  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies  as  follow:  A  proposed  ratification  of  the 
Thirty-nine  Articles,  with  an  exception  in  regard  to  the 
thirty-sixth  and  thirty-seventh  articles ;  a  form  for  the  Commu 
nion  of  the  sick ;  a  form  for  the  visitation  of  prisoners ;  a 
form  for  thanksgivings  for  the  fruits  of  the  earth;  and  pray 
ers  to  be  inserted  in  the  visitation  of  the  sick. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  returned,  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Bend,  the  proposed  form  of  printing  the  Psalms  in 
metre,  with  hymns,  and  proposed  amendments  of  the  same ; 
which  were  agreed  to,  and  the  whole  passed. 

This  house  received,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bend,  the  visitation 
office  and  additional  prayers,  which  being  concurred  in,  the 
whole  were  passed;  as  was  also  the  form  of  the  ratification 
of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer. 

This  house  received  by  Robert  Andrews,  Esq.,  the  ratifica 
tion  of  the  articles,  with  a  proposal  for  postponement,  which 
was  agreed  to,  the  proposal  for  the  Communion  of  the  sick 
being  first  presented  and  passed. 

This  house  received,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset,  a  proposal 
for  retaining  the  service  for  Ash-Wednesday,  as  in  the  pro 
posed  book,  with  one  alteration,  which  was  agreed  to. 

This  house  returned  the  occasional  prayers,  passed. 

The  house  then  passed  the  Morning  and  Evening  Prayer, 
the  Litany,  the  selection  of  the  Psalms,  and  the  orders  how 
the  Psalter  and  the  rest  of  the  Holy  Scripture  is  appointed 
to  be  read. 

Four  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  amendments  of  the  Catechism ;  which  being  agreed 
to,  the  Service  was  passed. 

This  house  returned  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  the  office  for  the  churching  of  women,  and  the  oc 
casional  prayers,  the  amendments  mutually  proposed  having 
been  agreed  to. 

It  is  understood  that  the  Services  originated  in  this  house, 
and  not  returned  with  amendments,  have  been  agreed  to. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  a  message,  informing  that  they  had  appointed  a 
Committee,  to  join  with  any  person  to  be  appointed  by  this 
house,  in  setting  forth  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer.  In 


1789.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      123 

consequence  of  which  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White  agrees 
to  assist  the  Committee  in  preparing  tho  book  for  publication. 
The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  signified  to  this 
house  that  they  were  about  to  adjourn,  to  meet,  the  next  stated 
time,  in  the  city  of  New  York,  having  previously  appointed 
a  Committee  to  act,  if  necessary,  in  their  recess.  On  which, 
this  house  adjourned  to  the  same  time  and  place. 

Signed  as  the  Journal  of  the  Convention,  the  sixteenth 
day  of  October,  One  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty- 
nine. 

SAMUEL  SEABTJRY,  D.D., 

BISHOP  OF  CONNECTICUT,  PRESIDENT. 
WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.D.,  PENNSYLVANIA. 
Attested:  JOSEPH  CLARKSON,  Secretary. 


APPENDIX. 


(Janons 


FOR  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA,  AGREED 
ON  AND  RATIFIED  IN  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION  OF 
SAID  CHURCH,  HELD  IN  THE  CITY  OF  PHILADELPHIA, 
FROM  THE  29TH  DAY  OF  SEPTEMBER  TO  THE  16lH  DAY  OF 
OCTOBER,  1789,  INCLUSIVE. 

CANON  I. — Of  the  Orders  of  the  Ministers  in  this  Church. 

In  this  Church  there  shall  always  be  three  Orders  in  the  Ministry,  viz 
Bishops,  Priests,  and  Deacons. 

CANON  II. — Certificates  to  be  produced  on  the  part  of 
Bishops  elect. 

Every  Bishop  elect,  before  his  consecration,  shall  produce  to  the  Bish 
ops,  to  whom  he  is  presented  for  that  holy  office,  from  the  Convention 
by  whom  he  is  elected  a  Bishop,  and  from  the  General  Convention,  or  a 
Committee  of  that  body  to  be  appointed  to  act  in  their  recess,  certificates, 
respectively  in  the  following  words,  viz. : 

TESTIMONY    FROM    THE    MEMBERS    OP    THE    CONVENTION   IN   THE    STATE 
FROM    WHENCE    THE    PERSON    IS    RECOMMENDED    FOR    CONSECBATION. 

We,  whose  names  are  underwritten,  fully  sensible  how  important  it  is, 
that  the  sacred  office  of  a  Bishop  should  not  be  unworthily  conferred,  and 
firmly  persuaded  that  it  is  our  duty  to  bear  testimony  on  this  solemn  occa 
sion  without  partiality  or  affection,  do,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty  God , 
testify,  that  A.  B.  is  not,  so  far  as  we  are  informed,  justly  liable  to  evil 
report,  either  for  error  in  religion  or  for  viciousness  of  life ;  and  that  we 
do  not  know  or  believe  there  is  any  impediment  or  notable  crime  for 
which  he  ought  not  to  be  consecrated  to  that  holy  office.  We  do,  more 
over,  jointly  and  severally  declare  that,  having  personally  known  him  for 
three  years  last  past,  we  do  in  our  consciences  believe  him  to  be  of  such 
sufficiency  in  good  learning,  such  soundness  in  the  faith,  and  of  such 
virtuous  and  pure  manners  and  godly  conversation,  that  he  is  apt  and 

(125) 


126  APPENDIX.  [1789. 

meet  to  exercise  the  Office  of  a  Bishop,  to  the  honour  of  God  and  the 
edifying  of  his  Church,  and  to  be  an  wholesome  example  to  the  flock  of 
Christ.  , 

TESTIMONY   FROM   THE   GENERAL  CONVENTION. 

We, whose  names  are  underwritten,  fully  sensible  how  important  it  is 
that  the  sacred  office  of  a  Bishop  should  not  be  unworthily  conferred,  and 
firmly  persuaded  that  it  is  our  duty  to  bear  our  testimony  on  this  solemn 
occasion  without  partially  or  affection,  do,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty 
God,  testify  that  A.  B.  is  not,  so  far  as  we  are  informed,  justly  liable  to 
evil  report  either  for  error  in  religion  or  for  viciousness  01  life ;  and  that 
we  do  not  know  or  believe  there  is  any  impediment  or  notable  crime,  on 
account  of  which  he  ought  not  to  be  consecrated  to  that  holy  office,  but 
that  he  hath,  as  we  believe,  led  his  life,  for  the  three  years  last  past,  piously, 
soberly,  and  honestly. 

CANON  III. — Of  Episcopal  Visitation. 

Every  Bishop  in  this  Church  shall,  as  often  as  may  be  convenient,  visit 
the  churches  within  his  Diocese  or  district,  for  the  purposes  of  examining 
the  state  of  his  Church,  inspecting  the  behaviour  of  the  Clergy,  and  ad 
ministering  the  apostolic  rite  of  Confirmation. 

CANON  IV. — Of  the  Age  of  those  -who  are  to  be  Ordained 
or  Consecrated. 

Deacon's  Orders  shall  not  be  conferred  on  any' person  until  he  shall  be 
twenty-one  years  old,  nor  Priest's  Orders  on  any  one  until  he  shall  be 
twenty-four  years  old;  and,  except  on  urgent  occasion,  unless  he  hath 
been  a  Deacon  one  year.  No  man  shall  be  consecrated  a  Bishop  of  this 
Church  until  he  shall  be  thirty  years  old. 

CANON  V. — Of  the  Titles  of  those  who  are  to  be  Ordained. 

No  person  shall  be  ordained  either  Deacon  or  Priest,  unless  he  shall 
produce  a  satisfactory  certificate  from  some  Church,  parish,  or  congrega 
tion,  that  he  is  engaged  with  them,  and  that  they  will  receive  him  as  their 
minister,  and  allow  him  a  reasonable  support;  or  unless  he  be  engaged 
as  a  professor,  tutor,  or  instructor  of  youth,  in  some  college,  academy,  or 
general  seminary  of  learning,  duly  incorporated ;  or  unless  the  Standing 
Committee  of  the  Church  in  the  State  for  which  he  is  to  be  ordained, 
shall  certify  to  the  Bishop  their  full  belief  and  expectation,  that  he  will 
be  received  and  settled  as  a  pastor  by  some  one  of  the  vacant  churches 
in  that  State. 

CANON  VI. — The  Testimonials  to  be  produced  on  the  part 
of  those  who  are  to  be  Ordained. 

Every  candidate  for  Holy  Orders  shall  be  recommended  to  the  Bishop 
by  a  Standing  Committee  of  the  Convention  of  the  State  wherein  he  re 
sides,  which  recommendation  shall  be  signed  by  the  names  of  a  majority 
of  the  Committee,  and  shall  be  in  the  following  words : 

We,  whose  names  are  hereunder  written,  testify  that  A.  B.,  for  the 


1789.J  APPENDIX.  127 

space  of  three  years  last  past,  hath  lived  piously,  soberly,  and  hon 
estly:  Nor  hath  he  at  any  time,  as  far  as  we  know  or  believe,  written, 
taught,  or  held,  any  thing  contrary  to  the  doctrine  or  discipline  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church.  And,  moreover,  we  think  him  a  person  worthy 
to  be  admitted  to  the  sacred  order  of  .  .  .  In  witness  whereof  we  have 
hereunto  set  our  hands.  Dated  the  .  .  .  day  of  ...  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  .  .  . 

But  before  a  Standing  Committee  of  any  State  shall  proceed  to  recom 
mend  any  candidate,  as  aforesaid,  to  the  Bishop,  such  candidate  shall 
produce  testimonials  of  his  good  morals  and  orderly  conduct  for  three 
years  last  past,  from  the  Minister  and  Vestry  of  the  parish  where  he  has 
•ssided,  or  from  the  Vestry  alone  if  the  parish  be  vacant — a  publication 
of  his  intention  to  apply  for  Holy  Orders  having  been  previously  made 
by  such  Minister  or  Vestry.  In  every  State  in  which  there  is  no  Standing 
Committee,  such  Committee  shall  be  appointed  at  its  next  ensuing  Con 
vention  ;  and  in  the  mean  time,  every  candidate  for  Holy  Orders  shall  be 
recommended  according  to  the  regulations  or  usage  of  the  Church  in 
each  State,  and  the  requisitions  of  the  Bishop  to  whom  he  applies. 

CANON  VII. — Of  the  Learning  of  those  who  are  to  be 
Ordained. 

No  person  shall  be  ordained  in  this  Church  until  he  shall  have  satisfied 
the  Bishop  and  the  two  Presbyters,  by  whom  he  shall  be  examined,  that 
he  is  sufficiently  acquainted  with  the  New  Testament  in  the  original 
Greek,  and  can  give  an  account  of  his  faith  in  the  Latin  tongue,  either 
in  writing  or  otherwise,  as  may  be  required.  Unless  it  shall  be  recom 
mended  to  the  Bishop  by  two-thirds  of  the  State  Convention  to  which 
he  belongs,  to  dispense  with  the  aforesaid  requisition  in  whole  or  in 
part:  which  recommendation  shall  only  be  for  good  causes  moving  there 
unto,  and  shall  be  in  the  following  words,  with  the  signature  of  the 
names  of  the  majority  of  such  Convention:  "We  whose  names  are 
underwritten,  are  of  opinion,  that  the  dispensing  with  the  knowledge  of 
the  Latin  and  Greek  languages  (or  either  of  them,  as  the  case  may  be) 
in  the  examination  of  A.  B.  for  Holy  Orders,  will  be  of  use  to  the  Church 
of  which  we  are  the  Convention,  in  consideration  of  other  qualifications 
of  the  said  A.  B.  for  the  Gospel  ministry. 

CANON  VIII. — Of  the  Stated  Times  of  Ordination. 

Agreeably  to  the  practice  of  the  primitive  Church,  the  stated  times  of 
Ordination  shall  be  on  the  Sundays  following  the  Ember  weeks :  viz.,  the 
Second  Sunday  in  Lent,  the  Feast  of  Trinity,  and  the-  Sundays  after  the 
Wednesdays  following  the  fourteenth  day  of  September  and  the  thirteenth 
of  December. 

CANON  IX. — Of  those  who,  having  been  ordained  by  foreign 
Bishops,  settle  in  this  Church. 

No  person,  not  a  member  of  this  Church,  who  shall  profess  to  be  epis- 
copally  ordained,  shall  be  permitted  to  officiate  therein,  until  he  shall 
have  exhibited  to  the  Vestry  of  the  Church  in  which  he  shall  offer  to 
officiate,  a  certificate  signed  by  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  or  district,  or, 
where  there  is  no  Bishop,  by  three  Clergymen  of  the  Standing  Committee 


128  APPENDIX.  [1789. 

of  the  Convention  of  that  State,  that  his  Letters  of  Orders  are  authentic, 
and  given  by  some  Bishop  whose  authority  is  acknowledged  by  this 
Church,  and  also  satisfactory  evidence  of  his  moral  character. 

CANON  X. — Of  the  Use  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer. 

Every  minister  shall,  before  all  sermons  and  lectures,  use  the  Book  of 
Common  Prayer,  as  the  same  shall  be  set  forth  and  established  by  the 
authority  of  this  or  some  future  General  Convention ;  and  until  such  es 
tablishment  of  an  uniform  Book  of  Common  Prayer  in  this  Church,  every 
minister  shall  read  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  directed  to  be  used  by 
the  Convention  of  the  Church  in  the  State  in  which  he  resides ;  and  no 
other  prayer  shall  be  used  besides  those  contained  in  the  said  book. 

CANON  XI. — Of  the  duty  of  Ministers  in  regard  to  Episco 
pal  Visitation. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  ministers  to  prepare  children  and  others  for  the 
the  holy  ordinance  of  Confirmation.  And  on  notice  being  received  from 
the  Bishop  of  his  intention  to  visit  any  Church,  which  notice  shall  be  at 
least  one  month  before  the  intended  visitation,  the  minister  shall  be  ready 
to  present  for  Confirmation  those  who  shall  have  been  previously  instruct/- 
ed  for  the  same,  and  shall  deliver  to  the  Bishop  a  list  of  the  names  of 
those  presented. 

And  at  every  visitation  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  minister  and  of  the 
church  wardens,  to  give  information  to  the  Bishop  of  the  state  of  the  con 
gregation,  under  such  heads  as  shall  have  been  committed  to  them  in  the 
notice  given  as  aforesaid. 

And  further,  the  ministers  and  church  wardens  of  such  congregations 
as  cannot  be  conveniently  visited  in  any  year,  shall  bring  or  send  to  the 
Bishop,  at  the  stated  meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  diocese  or  district, 
information  of  the  state  of  the  congregation,  under  such  heads  as  shall 
have  been  committed  to  them  at  least  one  month  before  the  meeting  of 
the  Convention. 

CANON  XII. — Notorious    Crimes   and   Scandals  to   be 
censured. 

If  any  persons  within  this  church  offend  their  brethren  by  any  wicked 
ness  of  life,  such  persons  shall  be  repelled  from  the  Holy  Communion, 
agreeably  to  the  rubric,  and  may  be  further  proceeded  against,  to  the  de 
priving  of  them  of  all  privileges  of  church  membership,  according  to 
such  rules  or  process  as  may  be  provided,  either  by  the  General  Conven 
tion  or  by  tfye  Conventions  in  the  different  States. 

CANON  XIII. — Sober  conversation  required  in  Ministers. 

No  ecclesiastical  persons  shall,  other  than  for  their  honest  necessities, 
resort  to  taverns  or  other  places  most  liable  to  be  abused  to  licentiousness. 
Further,  they  shall  not  give  themselves  to  any  base  or  servile  labour,  or  to 
drinking  or  riot,  or  to  the  spending  of  their  time  idly.  And  if  any  offend 
in  the  above,  they  shall  be  liable  to  the  ecclesiastical  censure  of  admoni 
tion,  or  suspension,  or  degradation,  as  the  nature  of  the  case  may  require, 
and  according  to  such  rules  or  process  as  may  be  provided,  either  by  the 
General  Convention  or  by  the  Conventions  in  the  different  States. 


1789.]  APPENDIX.  129 

CANON  XIV. — Of  the  due  celebration  of  Sundays. 
All  manner  of  persons  within  this  Church  shall  celebrate  and  keep  the 
Lord's  day,  commonly  called  Sunday,  in  hearing  the  word  of  God  read 
and  taught,  in  private  and  public  prayer,  in  other  exercises  of  devotion, 
and  in  acts  of  charity,  using  all  godly  and  sober  conversation. 

CANON  XV. — Ministers  to  keep  a  Register. 

Every  minister  of  this  Church  shall  keep  a  register  of  baptisms,  mar 
riages,  and  funerals  within  his  cure,  agreeably  to  such  rules  as  may  be 
provided  by  the  ecclesiastical  authority  where  his  cure  lies ;  and  if  none 
such  be  provided,  then  in  such  a  manner  as  in  his  discretion  he  shall 
think  best  suited  to  the  uses  of  such  a  register. 

And  the  intention  of  the  register  of  baptisms  is  hereby  declared  to  be, 
as  for  other  good  uses,  so  especially  for  the  proving  of  the  right  of  church 
membership  of  those  who  may  have  been  admitted  into  this  Church  by 
the  holy  ordinance  of  baptism. 

And  further,  every  minister  of  this  Church  shall,  within  a  reasonable 
time  after  the  publication  of  this  Canon,  make  out  and  continue  a  list  of 
all  adult  persons  within  his  cure,  to  remain  for  the  use  of  his  successor, 
to  be  continued  by  him  and  by  every  future  minister  in  the  same  parish. 

And  no  minister  shall  place  on  the  said  list  the  names  of  any  persons 
except  of  those  who,  on  due  enquiry,  he  shall  find  to  have  been  baptised 
in  this  Church ;  or  who,  having  been  otherwise  baptised,  shall  have  been 
received  into  this  Church  either  by  the  holy  rite  of  Confirmation,  or  by 
receiving  the  Holy  Communion,  or  by  some  other  joint  act  of  the  parties 
and  of  a  minister  of  this  Church,  whereby  such  persons  shall  have  attach 
ed  themselves  to  the  same. 


CANON  XVI. — A  List  to    be   made  and  published   of  the 
Ministers  of  this  Church. 

The  secretary  of  the  General  Convention  shall  keep  a  register  of  all  the 
Clergy  of  this  Church,  whose  names  shall  be  delivered  to  him,  in  the  fol 
lowing  manner:  that  is  to  say,  every  Bishop  of  this  Church, — or,  where 
there  is  no  Bishop,  the  Standing  Committee  of  that  diocese  or  district, — 
shall,  at  the  time  of  every  General  Convention,  deliver,  or  cause  to  be 
delivered  to  the  secretary,  a  list  of  the  names  of  all  the  ministers  of  this 
Church  in  their  proper  diocese  or  district,  annexing  the  names  of  their  re 
spective  cures,  or  of  their  stations  in  any  colleges  or  other  incorporated 
seminaries  of  learning,  or,  in  regard  to  those  who  have  not  any  cures 
or  such  stations,  their  places  of  residence  only.  And  the  said  list  shall, 
from  time  to  time,  be  published  in  the  Journals  of  the  General  Con 
vention, 

And  further,  it  is  recommended  to  the  several  Bishops  of  this  Church, 
and  to  the  several  Standing  Committees,  that,  during  the  intervals  between 
the  meetings  of  the  General  Convention,  they  take  such  means  of  notify 
ing  the  admission  of  ministers  among  them,  as,  in  their  discretion  respec 
tively,  they  shall  think  effectual  to  the  purpose  of  preventing  ignorant  and 
unwary  people  from  being  imposed  oil,  by  persons  pretending  to  be  au 
thorised  ministers  of  this  Church. 

9 


APPEXDIX.  [1789. 

CANON  XVII. — Notice  to  be  given  of  the  Induction  and 
Dismission  of  Ministers. 

It  is  hereby  required,  that  on  the  induction  of  a  minister  into  any 
Church  or  parish,  the  parties  shall  deliver,  or  cause  to  be  delivered  to  the 
Bishop,  or  to  the  Standing  Committee  of  the  Diocese  or  district,  notice 
of  the  same  in  the  following  form,  or  to  this  effect: 

We,  the  church  wardens  (or,  in  case  of  an  Assistant  Minister,  We,  the 
rector  and  church  wardens)  do  certify  to  the  Right  Rev.  (naming  the 
Bishop)  that  (naming  the  person)  has  been  duly  chosen  Rector  (or 
Assistant  Minister  as  the  case  may  be)  of  (naming  the  church  or 
chijrches). 

Which  certificate  shall  be  signed  with  the  names  of  those  who  certify. 

And  if  the  Bishop,  or  the  Standing  Committee,  be  satisfied  that  the 
person  so  chosen  is  a  qualified  minister  of  this  Church,  he  shall  transmit 
the  said  certificate  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Convention,  who  shall  record  it 
'n  a  book  to  be  kept  by  him  for  that  purpose. 

But  if  the  Bishop,  or  the  Standing  Committee,  be  not  satisfied  as 
above,  he  or  they  shall,  at  the  instance  of  the  parties,  proceed  to  enquire 
into  the  sufficiency  of  the  person  so  chosen,  according  to  such  rules  as 
may  be  made  in  the  States  respectively,  and  shall  confirm  or  reject  the 
appointment,  as  the  issue  of  that  enquiry  may  be. 

Passed,  October  16th,  1789. 

HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS: 
SAMUEL  SEABCRY,  Bishop  of  Connecticut, 

PRESTDEXT 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  Pennsylvania. 
ATTESTED:  JOSEPH  CLARKSON,  Secretary. 

HOUSE  OF  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES: 

WILLIAM  SMITH,  PRESIDENT. 
ATTESTED:  FRANCIS  HOPKINSON,  Secretary. 


1789.]  APPENDIX.  131 


APPENDIX  No.  I. 

An  Address  to  the  President  of  the  United  States,  pub 
lished  agreeably  to  the  following  order,  viz. : 

IN  CONVENTION,  August.  7th,  1789. 

The  Address  to  the  President  of  the  United  States  being 
read,  and  signed  in  Convention — 

Resolved, — That  the  said  Address,  with  the  answer  that 
may  be  received  thereto,  be  printed  in  the  Journals  of  the 
adjourned  meeting  of  this  Convention. 

TO  THE  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

SIR: — We,  the  Bishops,  Clergy,  and  Laity  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  States  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware, 
Maryland,  Virginia,  and  South  Carolina,  in  General  Convention  assembled, 
beg  leave,  with  the  highest  veneration,  and  the  most  animating  national 
considerations,  at  the  earliest  moment  in  our  power,  to  express  our  cordial 
joy  on  your  election  to  the  chief  magistracy  of  the  United  States. 

When  we  contemplate  the  short  but  eventful  history  of  our  nation; 
when  we  recollect  the  series  of  essential  services  performed  by  you  in  the 
course  of  the  Revolution;  the  temperate  yet  efficient  exertion  of  the 
mighty  powers  with  which  the  nature  of  the  contest  made  it  necessary  to 
invest  you ;  and  especially  when  we  remember  the  voluntary  and  mag 
nanimous  relinquishment  of  those  high  authorities  at  the  moment  of 
peace ;  we  anticipate  the  happiness  of  our  country  under  your  future  ad 
ministration. 

But  it  was  not  alone  from  a  successful  and  virtuous  use  of  those  extra 
ordinary  powers,  that  you  were  called  from  your  honorable  retirement  to 
the  first  dignities  of  our  government.  An  affectionate  admiration  of 
your  private  character,  the  impartiality,  the  persevering  fortitude,  and  the 
energy  with  which  your  public  duties  have  been  invariably  performed, 
and  the  paternal  solicitude  for  the  happiness  of  the  American  people,  to 
gether  with  the  wisdom  and  consummate  knowledge  of  our  affairs,  mani 
fested  in  your  last  military  communication,  have  directed  to,  your  name 
the  universal  wish,  and  have  produced,  for  the  first  time  in  the  history  of 
mankind,  an  example  of  unanimous  consent  in  the  appointment  of  the 
governor  of  a  free  and  enlightened  nation. 

To  these  considerations,  inspiring  us  with  the  most  pleasing  expecta 
tions  as  private  citizens,  permit  us  to  add,  that,  as  the  representatives  of 
a  numerous  and  extended  Church,  we  most  thankfully  rejoice  in  the  elec 
tion  of  a  civil  ruler,  deservedly  beloved,  and  eminently  distinguished 
among  the  friends  of  genuine  religion — who  has  happily  united  a  tender 
regard  for  other  churches  with  an  inviolable  attachment  to  his  own. 

With  unfeigned  satisfaction  we  congratulate  you  on  the  establishment 
of  the  new  Constitution  of  government  of  the  United  States,  the  mild  yet 
efficient  operations  of  which,  we  confidently  trust,  will  remove  every  re 
maining  apprehension  of  those  with  whose  opinions  it  may  not  entirely 
coincide,  and  will  confirm  the  hopes  of  its  numerous  friends.  Nor  do 


132 


APPENDIX. 


[1789. 


these  expectations  appear  too  sanguine,  when  the  moderation,  patriotism 
and  wisdom  of  the  honorable  members  of  the  Federal  legislature  are  duly 
considered.  From  a  body  thus  eminently  qualified,  harmoniously  co 
operating  with  the  Executive  authority  in  constitutional  concert,  we  con 
fidently  hope  for  the  restoration  of  order  and  of  our  ancient  virtues, — the 
extension  of  genuine  religion, — and  the  consequent  advancement  of  our 
respectability  abroad,  and  of  our  substantial  happiness  at  home. 

We  devoutly  implore  the  Supreme  Ruler  of  the  Universe  to  preserve 
you  long  in  health  and  prosperity, — an  animating  example  of  all  public 
and  private  virtues, — the  friend  and  guardian  of  a  free,  enlightened,  and 
grateful  people, — and  that  you  may  finally  receive  the  reward  which  will 
be  given  to  those  whose  lives  have  been  spent  in  promoting  the  happiness 
of  mankind. 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  in  the 
Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
President  of  the  Convention. 
SAMUEL  PROVOOST,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
State  of  New  York. 

NEW  YORK  .  .  .  BENJAMIN  MOORE,  D.D.,  Assistant  Mi 
nister  of  Trinity  Church,  in  the  City  of 
New  York. 

ABRAHAM  BEACH,  D.D.,  Assistant  Mi 
nister  of  Trinity  Church,  in  the  City 
of  New  York. 

NEW  JERSEY.    .    .    WILLIAM  FRAZER,  A.M.,  Rector  of  St. Mi 
chael's  Church,  Trenton,  and  St.  An 
drew's  Church,       Amwell. 
UZAL  OGDEN,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church, 

in  Newark. 

HENRY  WADDEL,  Rector  of  the  churches 
of  Shrewsbury  and  Middletown,  New 
Jersey. 

GEORGE  H.  SPIEREN,  Rector  of  St.  Pe 
ter's  Church,  Perth  Amboy,  New 
JOHN  Cox.  [Jersey.] 

SAMUEL  OGDEN. 
ROBERT  STRETTELL  JONES. 
SAMUEL    MAGAW,   D.D.,   Rector  of  St. 
Paul's,  and  Vice-Provost  of  the  Uni 
versity  of  Pennsylvania. 
ROBERT  BLACKWELL,  D.D.,  Senior  As 
sistant  Minister  of  Christ  Church  and 
St.  Peter's,  Philadelphia. 
JOSEPH  PILMORE,  Rector  of  the  United 
Churches  of  Trinity,  St.  Thomas,  and 
All  Saints. 

JOSEPH  G.  J.  BEND,  Assistant  Minister 
of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's,  Phi 
ladelphia. 

FRANCIS  HOPKINSON. 
(JLARKSOST. 


PENNSYLVANIA 


1789.] 


APPENDIX. 


133 


DELAWARE 


MARYLAND 


VIRGINIA  .    .    .    . 
SOUTH  CAROLINA 


TENCH  COXE. 

SAMUEL  POWEL. 

JOSEPH  COUDEN,  A.M.,  Rector  of  St. 
Anne's. 

STEPHEN  SYKES,  A.M.,  Rector  of  the 
united  Churches  of  St.  Peter's  and  St. 
Matthew  in  Sussex  Co. 

JAMES  SYKES. 

WILLIAM  SMITH,  D.D.,  Provost  of  the 
College  and  Academy  of  Philadelphia, 
and  Clerical  Deputy  for  Maryland,  as 
late  Rector  of  Chester  Parish,  iu 
Kent  County. 

THOMAS  JOHN  CLAGGET,  Rector  of  St. 
Paul's,  Prince  George  County. 

COLIX  FERGUSON,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St. 
Paul's,  Kent  County. 

JOHN  BISSETT,  A.M.,  Rector  of  Shrews 
bury  Parish,  Kent  County. 

WILLIAM  FRISBY. 

RICHARD  B.  CARMICHAEL. 

ROBERT  ANDREWS. 

ROBERT  SMITH,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Phi 
lip's  Church,  Charleston. 

W.  W.  BURROWS. 

WILLIAM  BRISBANE. 


THE    PRESIDENT  S   ANSWER. 

TO  THE  BISHOPS,  CLERGY,  AND  LAITY  OF  THE  PROTES 
TANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH,  IN  THE  STATES  OF  NEW 
YORK,  NEW  JERSEY,  PENNSYLVANIA,  DELAWARE,  MA 
RYLAND,  VIRGINIA,  AND  SOUTH  CAROLINA,  IN  GENE 
RAL  CONVENTION  ASSEMBLED. 

GENTLEMEN: 

I  sincerely  thank  you  for  your  affectionate  congratulation  on  my  elec 
tion  to  the  chief  magistracy  of  the  United  States. 

After  having  received  from  my  fellow-citizens  iu  general  the  most  lib 
eral  treatment— after  having  found  them  disposed  to  contemplate,  in  the 
most  flattering  point  of  view,  the  performance  of  my  military  services, 
and  the  manner  of  my  retirement  at  the  close  of  the  war — I  feel  that  I 
have  a  right  to  console  myself,  in  my  present  arduous  undertaking,  with 
a  hope  that  they  will  still  be  inclined  to  put  the  most  favourable  construc 
tion  on  the  motives  which  may  influence  me  in  my  future  public  trans 
actions. 

The  satisfaction  arising  from  the  indulgent  opinion  entertained  by  the 
American  people,  of  my  conduct,  will,  I  trust,  be  some  security  for  pre 
venting  me  from  doing  any  thing,  which  might  justly  incur  the  forfeiture 
of  that  opinion.  And  the  consideration  that  human  happiness  and  moral 
duty  are  inseparably  connected,  will  always  continue  to  prompt  me  to 


134  APPENDIX.  [1789. 

to  promote  the  progress   of  the  former,  by  inculcating  the  practice  of 
the  latter. 

On  this  occasion  it  would  ill  become  me  to  conceal  the  joy  I  have  felt 
in  perceiving  the  fraternal  affection  which  appears  to  encrease  every  day 
among  the  friends  of  genuine  religion.  It  affords  edifying  prospects  in 
deed,  to  see  Christians  of  different  denominations  dwell  together  in  more 
charity,  and  conduct  themselves,  in  respect  to  each  other,  with  a  more 
Christian-like  spirit  than  ever  they  have  done  in  any  former  age,  or  in  any 
other  nation. 

I  receive,  with  the  greatest  satisfaction,  your  congratulations  on  the  es 
tablishment  of  the  New  Constitution  of  Government ;  because  I  believe 
its  mild,  yet  efficient,  operations  will  tend  to  remove  every  remaining  ap 
prehension  of  those,  with  whose  opinions  it  may  not  entirely  coincide,  as 
well  as  to  confirm  the  hopes  of  its  numerous  friends ;  and  because  the 
moderation,  patriotism,  and  wisdom  of  the  present  Federal  Legislature 
seem  to  promise  the  restoration  of  order  and  our  ancient  virtues — the 
extension  of  genuine  religion — and  the  consequent  advancement  of  our 
respectability  abroad,  and  of  our  substantial  happiness  at  home. 

I  request,  Most  Reverend  and  respectable  Gentlemen,  that  you  will  ac 
cept  my  cordial  thanks  for  yourMevout  supplications  to  the  Supreme  Ruler 
of  the  Universe  in  behalf  of  me.  May  you,  and  the  people  whom  you 
represent,  be  the  happy  subjects  of  Divine  Benediction  both  here  and 
hereafter! 

GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

August  19,  1789. 


APPENDIX.— No.  II. 

AN  ADDRESS  TO  THE  MOST  REVEREND  THE  ARCH 
BISHOPS  OF  CANTERBURY  AND  YORK. 

Most  Venerable  and  Illustrious  Fathers  and  Prelates : 
We,  the  Bishops,  Clergy,  and  Laity  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  States  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Mary 
land,  Virginia,  and  South  Carolina,  impressed  with  every  sentiment  of 
love  and  veneration,  beg  leave  to  embrace  this  earliest  occasion,  in  Gene 
ral  Convention,  to  offer  our  warmest,  most  sincere,  and  grateful  acknow 
ledgments  to  you,  and  (by  your  means),  to  all  the  venerable  Bishops  of 
the  Church  over  which  you  preside,  for  the  manifold  instances  of  your 
former  condescension  to  us,  and  solicitude  for  our  spiritual  welfare.  But 
we  are  more  especially  called  to  express  our  thankfulness  for  that  parti 
cular  act  of  your  fatherly  goodness,  whereby  we  derive,  under  you,  a  pure 
Episcopacy  and  succession  of  the  ancient  Order  of  Bishops,  and  are  now 
assembled,  through  the  blessing  of  God,  as  a  Church  duly  constituted  and 
organized,  with  the  happy  prospect  before  us  of  a  future  full  and  undis 
turbed  exercise  of  our  holy  religion,  and  its  extension  to  the  utmost 
bounds  of  this  continent,  under  an  ecclesiastical  constitution,  and  a  form 
of  worship,  which  we  believe  to  be  truly  apostolical. 

The  growing  prospect  of  this  happy  diffusion  of  Christianity,  and  the 


1789.]  APPENDIX.  135 

assurance  we  can  give  you,  that  our  churches  are  spreading  and  flourish 
ing  throughout  these  United  States,  we  know,  will  yield  you  more  solid 
joy,  and  be  considered  as  a  more  ample  reward  of  your  goodness  to  us, 
than  all  the  praises  and  expressions  of  gratitude  which  the  tongues  of 
men  can  bestow. 

It  gives  us  pleasure  to  assure  you,  that,  during  the  present  sitting  of 
our  Convention,  the  utmost  harmony  has  prevailed  through  all  our  de 
liberations  ;  that  we  continue,  as  heretofore,  most  sincerely  attached  to 
the  faith  and  doctrine  of  the  Church  of  England,  and  that  not  a  wish  ap 
pears  to  prevail,  either  among  our  Clergy  or  Laity,  of  ever  departing  from 
that  Church  in  any  essential  article. 

The  business  of  most  material  consequence  which  hath  come  before 
us,  at  our  present  meeting,  hath  been,  an  application  from  our  sister 
churches  in  the  Eastern  States,  expressing  their  earnest  desire  of  a  gen 
eral  union  of  the  whole  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States,  both  in 
doctrine  and  discipline ;  and,  as  a  primary  means  of  such  union,  praying 
the  assistance  of  our  Bishops  in  the  consecration  of  a  Bishop  elect  for 
the  States  of  Massachusetts  and  New  Hampshire.  We  therefore  judge  it 
necessary  to  accompany  this  address  with  the  papers  which  have  come 
before  us  on  that  very  interesting  subject,  and  of  the  proceedings  we 
have  had  thereupon,  by  which  you  wul  be  enabled  to  judge  concerning 
the  particular  delicacy  of  our  situation,  and,  probably,  to  relieve  us  from 
any  difficulties  which  may  be  found  therein. 

The  application  from  the  Church  in  the  States  of  Massachusetts  and 
New  Hampshire  is  in  the  following  words,  viz. : 

The  good  providence  of  Almighty  God,  the  fountain  of  all  goodness, 
having  lately  blessed  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States 
of  America,  by  supplying  it  with  a  complete  and  entire  Ministry,  and  af 
fording  to  many  of  her  communion  the  benefit  of  the  labours,  advice,  and 
government  of  the  successors  of  the  Apostles : 

We,  Presbyters  of  said  Church  in  the  States  of  Massachusetts  and 
New  Hampshire,  deeply  impressed  with  the  most  lively  gratitude  to  the 
Supreme  Governor  of  the  universe,  for  his  goodness  in  this  respect,  and 
with  the  most  ardent  love  to  his  Church,  and  concern  for  the  interest  of 
her  sons,  that  they  may  enjoy  all  the  means  that  Christ,  the  great  Shep 
herd  and  Bishop  of  souls,  has  instituted  for  leading  his  followers  into  the 
ways  of  truth  and  holiness,  and  preserving  his  Church  in  the  unity  of  the 
spirit  and  the  bond  of  peace,  to  the  end  that  the  people  committed  to  our 
respective  charges  may  enjoy  the  benefit  and  advantage  of  those  offices, 
the  administration  of  which  belongs  to  the  highest  Order  of  the  Ministry, 
and  to  encourage  and  promote,  as  far  as  in  us  lies,  a  union  of  the  whole 
Episcopal  Church  in  these  States,  and  to  perfect  and  compact  this  mys 
tical  body  of  Christ,  do  hereby  nominate,  elect  and  appoint,  the  Rev.  Ed 
ward  Bass,  a  Presbyter  of  said  Church,  and  Eector  of  St.  Paul's,  in  New- 
buryport,  to  be  our  Bishop ;  and  we  do  promise  and  engage  to  receive  him 
as  such,  when  canonically  consecrated,  and  invested  with  the  apostolic 
office  and  powers  by  the  Right  Reverend  the  Bishops  hereafter  named,  and  to 
render  him  all  that  canonical  obedience  and  submission  which,  by  the  laws  of 
Christ,  and  the  constitution  of  our  Church,  is  due  to  so  important  an  office. 

And  we  now  address  the  Right  Reverend  the  Bishops  in  the  States  of 
Connecticut,  New  York,  and  Pennsylvania,  praying  their  united  assist 
ance  in  consecrating  our  said  brother,  and  canonically  investing  him  with 


136  APPENDIX.  [1789. 

the  apostolic  office  and  powers.  This  request  we  are  induced  to  make, 
from  a  long  acquaintance  with  him,  and  from  a  perfect  knowledge  of  his 
being  possessed  of  that  love  to  God  and  benevolence  to  men,  that  piety, 
learning,  and  good  morals,  that  prudence  and  discretion,  requisite  to  so 
exalted  a  station,  as  well  as  that  personal  respect  and  attachment  to  the 
communion  at  large  in  these  States,  which  will  make  him  a  valuable  ac 
quisition  to  the  Order,  and,  we  trust,  a  rich  blessing  to  the  Church. 

Done  at  a  meeting  of  the  Presbyters  whose  names  are  underwritten, 
held  at  Salem,  in  the  County  of  Essex,  and  Commonwealth  of  Massachu 
setts,  the  fourth  day  of  June,  Anno  Salutis,  1789. 

SAMUEL  PARKER,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Boston. 

T.  FITCH  OLIVER,  Rector  of  St.  Michael's  Church,  Marblehead. 

JOHX  COUSEXS  OGDEX,  Rector  of  Queen's  Chapel,  Portsmouth,  New 
Hampshire. 

WILLIAM  MONTAGUE,  Minister  of  Christ's  Church,  Boston. 

TILLOTSOX  BRUXSON,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ's  Church,  Boston. 

A  true  copy. 

Attest:  SAMUEL.  PARKER. 
At  the  meeting  aforesaid, 

Voted, — That  the  Rev.  Samuel  Parker  be  authorised  and  empowered  to 
transmit  copies  of  the  foregoing  Act,  to  be  by  him  attested,  to  the  Right 
Reverend  the  Bishops  in  Connecticut,  New  York,  and  Pennsylvania ;  and 
that  he  be  appointed  our  agent,  to  appear  at  any  Convocation  to  be  holden 
at  Pennsylvania  or  New  York,  and  to  treat  upon  any  measures  that  may 
tend  to  promote  an  union  of  the  Episcopal  Church  throughout  the  United 
States  of  America,  or  that  may  prove  advantageous  to  the  interest  of 
the  said  Church. 

EDWARD  BASS,  CHAIRMAX. 

A  true  copy. 
Attest:  SAMUEL  PARKER. 

This  was  accompanied  with  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Samuel  Parker,  the 
worthy  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Boston,  to  the  Right.  Rev.  Bishop 
White,  dated  June. 21st,.  1789,  of  which  the  following  is  an  extract: 

'  The  Clergy  here  have  appointed  me  their  agent,  to  appear  at  any 
Convocation  to  be  held  at  New  York  or  Pennsylvania ;  but  I  fear  the  situ 
ation  of  my  family  and  parish  will  not  admit  of  my  being  absent  so  long 
as  a  journey  to  Philadelphia  would  take.  When  I  gave  you  encourage 
ment  that  I  should  attend,  I  was  in  expectation  of  having  my  parish  sup 
plied  by  some  gentlemen  from  Nova  Scotia,  but  I  am  now  informed  they 
will  not  be  here  till  some  time  in  August.  Having,  therefore,  no  prospect 
of  attending  in  person  at  your  General  Convention  next  month,  I  am  re 
quested  to  transmit  you  an  attested  copy  of  an  act  of  the  Clergy  of  this 
and  the  State  of  New  Hampshire,  electing  the  Rev.  Edward  Bass  our 
Bishop,  and  requesting  the  united  assistance  of  the  Right  Reverend 
Bishops  of  Pennsylvania,  New  York,  and  Cennecticut,  to  invest  him  with 
apostolic  powers.  This  act  I  have  now  the  honour  of  enclosing,  and 
hope  it  will  reach  you  before  the  meeting  of  your  General  Convention  in 
July. 

"  The  clergy  of  this  State  are  very  desirous  of  seeing  an  union  of  the 
whole  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  take  place ;  and  it  will  re 
main  with  our  brethren  at  the  southward  to  say,  whether  this  shall  be  the 
case  or  not — whether  we  shall  be  an  united  or  divided  church.  Some 
little  difference  in  government  may  exist  in  different  States,  without  af 
fecting  the  essential  points  of  union  and  communion." 


1789.] 


APPENDIX.  1ST 


In  like  spirit,  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Seabury,  Bishop  of  the  Church  in 
Connecticut,  in  his  letter  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  dated  July  23d,  writes 
on  the  subject  of  union,  etc.,  as  followeth : 

"  The  wish  of  my  heart,  and  the  wish  of  the  Clergy  and  of  the  Church 
people  of  this  State,  would  certainly  have  carried  me  and  some  of  the 
Clergy  to  your  General  Convention,  had  we  conceived  we  could  have  at 
tended  with  propriety.  The  necessity  of  an  union  of  all  the  Churches, 
and  the  disadvantages  of  our  present  dis-union,  we  feel  and  lament 
equally  with  you;  and  I  agree  with  you,  that  there  may  be  a  strong  and 
etiicacious  union  between  churches,  where  the  usages  are  different.  I 
see  not  why  it  may  not  be  so  in  the  present  case,  as  soon  as  you  have  re 
moved  those  obstructions  which,  while  they  remain,  must  prevent  all  pos 
sibility  of  uniting.  The  Church  of  Connecticut  consists,  at  present,  of 
nineteen  clergymen  in  full  orders,  and  more  than  twenty  thousand  people 
they  suppose,  as  respectable  as  the  Church  in  any  State  in  the  union." 

After  the  most  serious  deliberation  upon  this  important  business,  and 
cordially  joining  with  our  brethren  of  the  eastern  or  New  England 
Churches  in  the  desire  of  union,  the  following  resolves  were  unanimously 
adopted  in  Convention,  viz. : 

Resolved, — 1st,  That  a  complete  Order  of  Bishops,  derived  as  well  un 
der  the  English  as  the  Scots  line  of  succession,  doth  now  subsist 
within  the  United  States  of  America,  in  the  persons  of  the  Right  Rev. 
William  White,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
State  of  Pennsylvania;  the  Right  Rev.  Samuel  Provoost,  D.D.,  Bishop 
of  the  said  Church  in  the  State  of  New  York;  and  the  Right  Rev.  Samuel 
Seabury,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the  said  Church  in  the  State  of  Connecticut. 

2d.  That  the  said  .three  Bishops  are  fully  competent  to  every  proper  act 
and  duty  of  the  Episcopal  office  and  character  in  these  United  States ;  as 
well  in  respect  to  the  consecration  of  other  bishops,  and  the  ordering  of 
Priests  and  Deacons,  as  for  the  government  of  the  Church,  according  to 
such  Canons,  Rules,  and  institutions  as  now  are,  or  hereafter  may  be, 
duly  made  and  ordained  by  the  Church  in  that  case. 

3d.  That  in  Christian  charity,  as  well  as  of  duty,  necessity,  and  expe 
diency,  the  Churches  represented  in  this  Convention  ought  to  contribute, 
in  every  manner  in  their  power,  towards  supplying  the  wants,  and  grant 
ing  every  just  and  reasonable  request  of  their  sister  churches  in  these 
States ;  and  therefore  resolved, — 

4th.  That  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White  and  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Provoost 
be,  and  they  hereby  are,requested  to  join  with  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Sea- 
bury,  in  complying  with  the  prayer  of  the  Clergy  of  the  States  of  Massa 
chusetts  and  New  Hampshire,  for  the  consecration  of  the  Rev.  Edward 
Bass,  Bishop  elect  of  the  churches  in  the  said  States ;  but  that,  before  the 
said  Bishops  comply  with  the  request  aforesaid,  it  be  proposed  to  the 
churches  in  the  New  England  States  to  meet  the  Churches  of  these 
States,  with  the  said  three  Bishops,  in  an  adjourned  Convention,  to  settle 
certain  articles  of  union  and  discipline  among  all  the  churches,  previous 
to  such  consecration. 

5th.  That  if  any  difficulty  or  delicacy,  in  respect  to  the  Archbishops 
and  Bishops  of  England,  shall  remain  with  the  Right  Rev.  Drs.  White 
and  Provoost,  or  either  of  them,  concerning  their  compliance  with  the 
above  request,  this  Convention  will  address  the  Archbishops  and  Bishops, 
and  hope  thereby  to  remove  the  difficulty. 


138 


APPENDIX. 


[1789. 


We  have  now,  most  venerable  Fathers,  submitted  to  your  considera 
tion  whatever  relates  to  this  important  business  of  union  among  all  our 
churches  in  these  United  States.  It  was  our  original  and  sincere  inten 
tion  to  have  obtained  three  bishops,  at  least,  immediately  consecrated  by 
the  Bishops  of  England,  for  the  seven  States  comprehended  within  our 
present  union.  But  that  intention  being  frustrated  through  unforeseen 
circumstances,  we  could  not  wish  to  deny  any  present  assistance,  which 
may  be  found  in  our  power  to  give  to  any  of  our  sister  churches,  in  that 
way  which  may  be  most  acceptable  to  them,  and  in  itself  legal  and  ex 
pedient. 

We  ardently  pray  for  the  continuance  of  your  favour  and  blessing,  and 
that,  as  soon  as  the  urgency  of  other  weighty  concerns  of  the  Church 
will  allow,  we  may  be  favoured  with  that  fatherly  advice  and  direction, 
which  to  you  may  appear  most  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  prosperity  of 
our  Churches,  upon  the  consideration  of  the  foregoing  documents  and 
papers. 

Done  in  Convention  this  eighth  day  of  August,  1789,  and  directed  to  be 
signed  by  all  the  members  as  the  act  of  their  body,  and  by  the  President 
officially. 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  in  the 
Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
President  of  the  Convention. 

NEW  YORK  .  .  .  ABRAHAM  BEACH,  D.D.,  Assistant  Mi 
nister  of  Trinity  Church,  in  the  City  of 
New  York. 

BENJAMIN  MOORE,  D.D.,  Assistant  Mi 
nister  of  Trinity  Church,  in  the   City 
of  New  York. 
MOSES  ROGERS,  Lay  Deputy  from  New 

York. 

NEW  JERSEY      .    .    WILLIAM  FRAZER,  A.M.,  Rector  of  St.  Mi 
chael's  Church,   in   Trenton,  and  St. 
Andrew's  Church,  in  Amwell. 
UZAL  OGDEN,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church, 

Newark. 
HENRY  WADDELL,  Rector  of  the  Churches 

of  Shrewsbury    and    Middleton. 
GEORGE  H.  SPIEREX,  Rector  of  St.  Pe 
ter's  Church,  Perth  Amboy. 
JOHN  Cox,  \ 

SAMUEL  OGDEN,         >•  Lay  Deputies. 
ROBERT  S.  JONES,     J 

PENNSYLVANIA  .  SAMUEL  MAGAW,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St. 
Paul's,  Philadelphia,  and  Vice-Provost 
of  the  University. 

ROBERT  BLACKWELL,  D.D.,  Senior  As 
sistant  Minister  of  Christ  Church  and 
St.  Peter's,  Philadelphia. 
JOSEPH  PILMORE,  Rector  of  the  United 
Churches  of  Trinity,  St.  Thomas'  and 
All  Saints. 


1789.] 


APPENDIX. 


139 


DELAWARE 


MARYLAND 


VIRGINIA 


SOUTH  CAROLINA 


JOSEPH  G.  J.  BEND,  Assistant  Minister 
of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's,  hi 
Philadelphia. 

GERARDUS  CLARKSON,  \ 

TENCH  COXE,  V  Lay  Deputies. 

FRANCIS  HOPKINSON,  J 

JOSEPH  COWDEN,  Clerical  Deputy. 

STEPHEN  SYKES,  Clerical  Deputy. 

JAMES  SYKES,  Lay  Deputy. 

WILLIAM  SMITH,  D.D.,  Provost  of  the 
College  and  Academy  of  Philadelphia, 
and  Clerical  Deputy  as  late  Rector  of 
Chester  Parish,  Kent  County,  Mary 
land.  And  for 

THOMAS  JOHN  CLAGGETT,  D.  D.,  Rector 
of  St.  Paul's,  Prince  George's  County. 

COLIN  FERGUSON,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St. 
Paul's,  Kent  County. 

JOHN  BISSETT,  A.M.,  "Rector  of  Shrews 
bury  Parish. 

RICHARD  B.  CARMICHAEL,  \         Lay 

WILLIAM  FRISBY,  /     Deputies. 

ROBERT  ANDREWS,  Professor  of  Mathema 
tics  in  the  College  of  William  and 
Mary. 

ROBERT  SMITH,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Phi 
lip's  Church,  and  Principal  of  Charles 
ton  College. 

WILLIAM  BRISBANE,   1  Lay  Deputies. 

WILLIAM  BUKROWS,    /      * 


APPENDIX.— No.  III. 


PAPERS  RELATING  TO  THE  SCOTS  EPISCOPACY,  AS  CON 
NECTED  WITH  THE  ENGLISH,  AND  THE  CONSECRATION 
OF  BISHOP  SEABURY. 

Extract  from  the  Register  of  Archbishop  Juxon,  in  the  Library  of  his 
Grace  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  at  Lambeth  Palace. — FOL.  237. 

"  It  appears  that  James  Sharp  was  consecrated  Archbishop  of  St.  An 
drew's — Andrew  Fairfoull,  Archbishop  of  Glasgow — Robert  Leighton, 
Bishop  of  Doublenen  (Dunblane) — and  James  Hamilton,  Bishop  of  Gal 
loway — on  the  15th  day  of  December,  1661,  in  St.  Peter's  Church,  West 
minister,  by  Gilbert,  Bishop  of  London,  Commissary  to  the  Archbishop 
of  Canterbury  ;  and  that  the  Right  Rev.  George,  Bishop  of  Worcester, 
John,  Bishop  of  Carlisle,  and  Hugh,  Bishop  of  Landaff,  were  present  and 
assisting." 

Extracted  this  3d  day  of  June,  1789,  by  me, 

WILLIAM  DICKES,  SECEETABY. 


LONDON,  JUNE  3d,  1789. 

That  the  above  is  a  true  copy  of  an  extract  procured  by  order  of  Arch 
bishop  Moore,  to  be  sent  to  Bishop  Seabury,  in  Connecticut,  is  attested 
by  us,  Bishops  of  the  Scottish  Church,  now  in  this  place  on  business  of 
importance  to  the  said  Church. 

JOHN  SKINNER,  BISHOP. 

WILLIAM  ABERNETHY  DRUMMOND,  BISHOP. 

JOHN  STR^ICHAN,  BISHOP. 

140 


1789]  APPENDIX.  141 


A  List  of  the  Consecration  and  Succession  of  Scots  Bishops 
since  the  Revolution,  1688,  under  William  the  Third  as 
far  as  the  Consecration  of  Bishop  Seabury  is  concerned. 


1693.  FEB.  23.  Dr.  George  Hicks,  was  consecrated  Suffragan  of  Thet- 
ford,  in  the  Bishop  of  Peterborough's  chapel,  in  the  parish  of  Enfield,  by 
Dr.  William  Lloyd,  Bishop  of  Norwich,  Dr.  Francis  Turner,  Bishop  of 
Ely,  and  Dr.  Thomas  White,  Bishop  of  Peterborough. 

N.  B  Dr.  Lloyd,  Dr.  Turner,  and  Dr.  White,  were  three  of  the  Eng 
lish  Bishops  who  were  deprived  at  the  revolution,  by  the  civil  Power,  for 
not  swearing  allegiance  to  William  the  Third.  They  were  also  three  of 
the  Seven  Bishops  who  had  been  sent  to  the  Tower  by  James  the  Second, 
for  refusing  to  order  an  illegal  proclamation  to  be  read  in  their  dioceses. 

1705.  JAN.  25.  Mr.  John  Sage,  formerly  one  of  the  Ministers  of  Glas 
gow,  and  Mr.  John  Fullarton,  formerly  Minister  of  Paisley,  were  conse 
crated  at  Edinburgh,  by  John  Paterson,  Archbishop  of  Glasgow,  Alexan 
der  Rose,  Bishop  of  Edinburgh,  and  Robert  Douglas,  Bishop  of  Dun 
blane. 

N.  B.  Archbishop  Paterson,  Bishop  Rose,  and  Bishop  Douglas,  were 
deprived  at  the  revolution,  by  the  civil  power,  because  they  refused  to 
swear  allegiance  to  William  the  Third. 


1709.  APRIL  28.  Mr.  John  Falcon ar,  Minister  at  Cairnbee,  and  Mr. 
Henry  Chrystie,  Minister  at  Kinross,  were  consecrated  at  Dundee,  by 
Bishop  Rose  of  Edinburgh,  Bishop  Douglas  of  Dunblane,  and  Bishop 
Sage. 


1711.  AUG.  25.  The  Honourable  Archibald  Campbell  was  consecrated 
at  Dundee,  by  Bishop  Rose  of  Edinburgh,  Bishop  Douglas  of  Dunblane, 
and  Bishop  Falconar.. 

1712.  FEB.  24.  Mr.  James    Gadderar,  formerly  Minister  at  Kilmaurs, 
was   consecrated   at  London,  by  Bishop   Hickes,  Bishop   Falconar,   and 
Bishop  Campbell. 

1712.  OCT.  22.  Mr.  Arthur  Millar,  formerly  Minister  at  Inveresk.  and 
Mr.  William  Irvine,  formerly  Minister  at  Kirkmichael,  in  Carrict,  were 
consecrated  at  Edinburgh,  by  Bishop  Rose  of  Edinburgh,  Bishop  Fullar 
ton,  and  Bishop  Falconar. 


142  APPENDIX.  [1789. 

After  the  Bishop  of  Edinburgh's  death. 

1722.  OCT.  7.  Mr.  Andrew  Cant,  formerly  one  of  the  Ministers  of  Edin 
burgh,  and  Mr.  David  Freebairn,  formerly  Minister  of  Dunning,  were  con 
secrated  at  Edinburgh,  by  Bishop  Fullarton,  Bishop  Millar,  and  Bishop 
Irvine. 

1727.  JUHE  4.  Dr.  Thomas  Rattray,  of  Craighall,  was  consecrated  at 
Edinburgh,  by  Bishop  Gadderar,  Bishop  Millar,  and  Bishop  Cant. 

1727.  JUNE  18.  Mr.  William  Dnnbar,  Minister  at  Cruden,  and  Mr. 
Robert  Keith,  Presbyter  in  Edinburgh,  were  consecrated  at  Edinburgh, 
by  Bishop  Gadderar,  Bishop  Millar,  and  Bishop  Rattray. 

N.  B.  They  who  were  deprived  of  their  Parishes  at  the  revolution  are, 
in  this  list  called  Ministers  ;  bnt  they  who  have  not  been  parish  Ministers 
under  the  civil  establishment,  are  called  Presbyters. 

1736.  JUHE  24.  Mr.  Robert  White,  Presbyter  at  Cupar,  was  consecrated 
at  Carsebank,  near  Forfar,  by  Bishop  Rattray,  Bishop  Dunbar,  and 
Bishop  Keith. 

1741.  Sept.  10.  Mr.  William  Falconar,  Presbyter  at  Forres,  was  conse 
crated  at  Alloa,  in  Clacmannanshire,  by  Bishop  Rattray,  Bishop  Keith, 
and  Bishop  White. 

1742.  OCT.  4.  Mr.  James  Rait,  Presbyter  at  Dundee,  was  consecrated 
at  Edinburgh  by  Bishop  Rattray,  Bishop  Keith,  and  Bishop  White. 

1743.  AUG.  19.  Mr.  John  Alexander,  Presbyter  at  Alloa,  in  Clacman 
nanshire,  was  consecrated  at  Edinburgh,  by  Bishop  Keith,  Bishop  White, 
Bishop  Falconar,  and  Bishop  Rait. 

1747.  JULY  17.  Mr.  Andrew  Gerard,  Presbyter  in  Aberdeen,  was  con 
secrated  at  Cupar,  in  Fife,  by  Bishop  White,  Bishop  Falconar,  Bishop 
Rait,  and  Bishop  Alexander. 


1759.  Nov.  1.  Mr.  Henry  Edgar  was  consecrated  at  Cupar,  in  Fife,  by 
Bishop  White,  Bishop  Falconar,  Bishop  Rait  and  Bishop  Alexander,  as 
co-adjutor  to  Bishop  White,  then  Primus. 

N.  B.  Anciently,  no  Bishop  in  Scotland  had  the  stile  of  Archbishop, 
but  one  of  them  had  a  precedency,  under  the  title  of  Primus  ScoticB  Epis- 
copus.  And  after  the  revolution  they  returned  to  their  old  stile,  which 
they  still  retain,  one  of  them  being  entitled  Primus,  to  whom  precedency 
is  allowed,  and  deference  paid  in  the  Synod  of  Bishops. 

1762.  JUNE  24.  Mr.  Robert  Forbes  was  consecrated  at  Forfar,  by  Bishop 
Falconar,  Primus,  Bishop  Alexander,  and  Bishop  Gerard. 


1789.]  APPENDIX.  143 

1768.  SEPT.  21.  Mr.  Eobert  Kilgour,  Presbyter  at  Peterhead,  was  con 
secrated  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  at  Cupar,  in  Fife,  by  Bishop  Falconar, 
Primus,  Bishop  Rait,  and  Bishop  Alexander. 

1777.  AUG.  24.  Mr.  Charles  Rose,  Presbyter  at  Down,  was  consecrated 
Bishop  of  Dunblane,  at  Forfar,  by  Bishop  Falconar,  Primus,  Bishop  Rait, 
and  Bishop  Forbes. 

1776.  JUNE  27.  Mr.  Arthur  Petrie,  Presbyter  at  Meikelfolla,  was  con 
secrated  Bishop  Co-adjntor  at  Dundee,  by  Bishop  Falconar,  Primus, 
Bishop  Rait,  Bishop  Kilgour,  and  Bishop  Rose,  and  appointed  Bishop  of 
Ross  and  Caithness.  July  8th,  1777. 

N.  B.  After  the  revolution,  the  Bishops  in  Scotland  had  no  particular 
diocess,  but  managed  their  ecclesiastical  affairs  in  one  body  as  a  College ; 
but  finding  inconveniences  in  the  mode,  they  took  particular  dioceses, 
which,  though  not  exactly  according  to  the  limits  of  the  diocesea  under 
the  former  legal  establishment,  still  retain  their  old  names. 

1778.  AUG.  13.  Mr.  George  Inness,  Presbyter  in  Aberdeen,  was  conse 
crated  Bishop  of  Brechen,  at  Alloa,  by  Bishop  Falconar,  Primus,  Bishop 
Rose,  and  Bishop  Petrie. 

1782.  SEPT.  25.  Mr.  John  Skinner,  Presbyter  in  Aberdeen,  was  conse 
crated  Bishop  Co-adjutor,  at  Luthermuir,  in  the  diocess  of  Brechen,  by 
Bishop  Kilgour,  Primus,  Bishop  Rose,  and  Petrie. 

jCcJS^"  The  foregoing  list  is  taken  from  an  attested  copy,  in 
the  possession  of  Bishop  Seabury. 

1784.  Nov.  14.  Dr.  Samuel  Seabury,  Presbyter,  from  the  State  of  Con 
necticut,  in  America,  was  consecrated  Bishop  at  Aberdeen,  by  Bishop 
Kilgour,  Primus,  Bishop  Petrie,  and  Bishop  Skinner, — as,  by  the  deed  01 
consecration,  as  follows,  viz.: 


IN  DEI  NOMINE.— AMEN. 


Omnibus  ubique  Catholicis  per  Presentes  pateat, 

Nos,  ROBERTUM  KILGOUR,  miseratione  divina,  Episcopum  Aberdonien— 
ARTHURUM  PETRIE,  Episcopum  Rossen  et  Moravien — et  JOANNEM  SKINNER, 
Episcopum  Coadjutorern  ;  Mysteria  Sacra  Domini  nostri  Jesu  Christi  in 
Oratorio  supradicti  JOANNIS  SKINNER  apnd  Aberdoniam  celebrantes,  Di- 
vini  Numinis  Praesidio  fretos  (presentibus  tarn  e  Clero,  quam  e  Populo 
testibus  idoneis)  SAMUELEM  SEABURY,  Doctorem  Divinitatis,  sacra  Presby- 
teratus  ordine  jam  decoratum,  ac  nobis  prse  Vitae  integritate,  Morum  prob- 
itate  et  Orthodoxia,  commendatum,  et  ad  docendum  et  regendum  aptum 


144  APPENDIX.  [1789. 

et  idoneum,  ad  sacrum  et  sublimem  Episcopatus  Ordinem  promovisse,  et 
rite  ac  canonice,  secundum  Morem  et  Ritus  Ecclesiae  Scoticanse,  conse- 
crasse,  Die  Novembris  decimo  quarto,  Anno  ./Erse  Christian®  Millesimo 
Septingentesimo  Octagesimo  Quarto. 

In  cujus  Rei  Testimonium,  Instrumento  huic  (chirographis  nostris  prius 
munito)  Sigilla  nostra  apponi  mandavimus. 

ROBERTUS  KILGOUR,  Episcopus,  et  Primus.        [L.  s.] 
ARTHURUS  PETRIE,  Episcopus.  [L.  s.] 

JOANNES  SKINNER,  Episcopua.  [L.  s.] 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS 


OF   THE 


BISHOPS,  CLERGY,  AND  LAITY 


OF   THE 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA, 


A  CONVENTION 


HELD   IN 


THE  CITY  OF  NEW  YORK,  FROM  TUESDAY,  SEPTEMBER 
HTH,  TO  WEDNESDAY,  SEPTEMBER  19iH,  1Y92. 

(145) 


LIST  OF  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF 
CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES. 


FROM  THE  STATE  OF  RHODE  ISLAND. 

Rev.  John  Bowden. 
Samuel  Marsh,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  CONNECTICUT. 

Rev.  Abraham  Jarvis,  D.D. 
Philip  Nichols,  Esq. 
Thomas  Belden,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  YORK. 

Rev.  Benjamin  Moore,  D.D. 
Rev.  Abraham  Beach,  D.D. 
Rev.  Thomas  L.  Moore. 
Rev.  Richard  C.  Moore. 
Aquila  Giles,  Esq. 
Dr.  Samuel  Martin. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  JERSEY. 

Rev.  Uzal  Ogden. 
Rev.  William  Frazer. 
Rev.  Henry  Waddell. 
Hon.  Robert  Morris. 
Colonel  Samuel  Ogden. 
John  De  Hart,  Esq. 

FROM  AE  STATE  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D. 
Rev.  Samuel  Magaw,  D.D. 
Rev.  Joseph  Pilmore. 
Rev.  Elisha  Rigg. 
John  Campbell,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  DELAWARE. 
Rev.  John  Bisset. 

(147) 


148  LIST  OF   MEMBERS.  [1792. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  MARYLAND. 

Rev.  John  Bowie,  D.D. 
Rev.  Joseph  G.  J.  Bend. 
Rev.  John  Coleman.    • 
Colonel  John  Weems. 
Major  James  Lloyd. 
Dr.  John  Hindman. 
Mr.  James  Howard. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  VIRGINIA. 

Rev.  Samuel  S.  M'Croskey. 
Robert  Andrews,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  SOUTH  CAROLINA. 
Rev.  Thomas  Frost. 


JOURNAL 


OF   THE 


of  (jlpriralf  anb  XLag 


YORK, 
TUESDAY,  September  llth,  1792. 

and  Lay  Deputies  from  the  Churches  in 
yjffi  several  of  the  States  assembled  in  Trinity  Church, 
^a)  at  10  o'clock  A.M. ;  and  after  prayers  by  the  Rev. 

Thomas  L.  Moore,  judging  it  proper  to  wait  for  the  arrival 
of  the  Deputies  from  other  Churches, 

Adjourned  to    10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


WEDNESDAY,  10  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  members  met,  and  attended  divine  service  performed 
by  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Madison  and  Rev.  Dr.  Maga\r,  and  a 
Sermon  preached  by  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Seabury. 

After  the  congregation  was  dismissed,  the  members  assem 
bled,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  the  President  of  the  last  Conven 
tion,  in  the  Chair. 

The  Rev.  John  Bisset  was  appointed  Secretary  pro  tem- 
pore. 

The  members  proceeded  to  choose  by  ballot  a  President  of 
the  House;  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  William  Smith  was  elected. 

They  then  proceeded  to  choose  a  Secretary  by  ballot;  and 
the  Rev.  John  Bisset  was  elected. 

Resolved  — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Beach,  Rev.  Mr.  Ogden, 

(149) 


150      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1792. 

and  Major  Lloyd  be  a  Committee  to  examine  the  credentials 
of  the  members,  and  report  thereon. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  Mr.  Andrews,  Rev. 
Mr.  Frazer,  Mr.  Campbell,  and  Mr.  Marsh,  be  a  Committee 
to  report  rules  of  order. 

Resolved  unanimously, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be 
given  to  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Seabury,  for  his  Sermon  deliv 
ered  this  day  in  Trinity  Church;  and  that  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Beach  and  Robert  Andrews,  Esq.,  be  appointed  to  present 
the  thanks  of  this  house,  and  to  request  a  copy  of  the  Ser 
mon  for  publication. 

Ordered,  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Beach  inform  the  House  of 
Bishops,  that  this  house  is  now  organized,  and  ready  to  pro 
ceed  to  business,  and  to  receive  any  communications  from 
them,  and  to  propose  10  o'clock  A.M.,  as  the  stated  hour  of 
meeting. 

The  Bishops  informed  the  House,  by  their  Secretary,  that 
they  agree  to  the  hour  of  10  as  the  time  of  meeting. 

Adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


THURSDAY,  10  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  Rev.  John  Bisset  read  prayers. 

Ordered,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ogden  inform  the  Bishops, 
that  seats  are  prepared  for  their  accommodation  on  the  right 
hand  of  the  chair,  whenever  they  may  choose  to  be  present 
at  the  debates  of  the  house. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Beach,  from  the  Committee  on  the  creden 
tials  of  the  members,  brought  in  a  report,  which  was  read 
and  concurred  with. 

Resolved, — That  no  person  shall  be  capable  of  acting  as  a 
member  of  the  House  of  Deputies,  under  the  deputation  of 
more  than  one  Convention. 

In  consequence  of  this  resolve,  the  Rev.  John  Bisset,  who 
had  been  reported  as  elected  by  the  Churches  in  Maryland 
and  Delaware,  took  his  seat  as  representative  of  the  Church 
of  Delaware. 

The  R?v.  John  Bowden  and  Samuel  Marsh,  Esq.,  two  of 
the  deputies  from  the  Church  in  Connecticut,  having  produc 
ed  a  testimonial  of  their  appointment  by  the  Church  in 
Rhode  Island,  took  their  seats  as  representatives  of  that 
Church. 


1792.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      151 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  from  the  Committee  for  framing 
rules  of  order,  brought  in  a  report. 

Orderedjthat  it  be  read. 

Ordered ,  that  it  be  read  a  second  time,  and  considered  by 
paragraphs. 

Accordingly  it  was  read  and  considered,  and  the  following 
rules  were  adopted  and  ratified. 

I.  The  business   of   every   day    shall   be   introduced   by 
prayers. 

II.  When  the  President  takes  the  chair,  no  member  shall 
continue  standing,  or  shall  afterwards  stand  up,  unless  to  ad 
dress  the  Chair. 

III.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the  service  of 
the  Convention,  unless  he  have  leave,  or  be  unable  to  attend. 

IV.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in  debate,  or  de 
liver  any  matter  to  the  Convention,  he  shall  rise  from  his 
seat,  and,  without  advancing,  shall  with  due  respect  address 
himself  to  the  President,  confining   himself  strictly  to  the 
point  in  debate. 

V.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice  in  the  same 
debate  without  leave  of  the  house. 

VI.  A  question  being  once  determined,  shall  stand  as  the 
judgment  of  the  Convention,  and  shall  not  be  again  drawn 
into  debate  during  the  same  session. 

VII.  While  the  President  is  putting  any  question,  no  one 
shall  hold  private  discourse,  stand  up,  walk  into,  out  of,  or 
across  the  house,  or  read  any  book. 

VIII.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  Convention  when 
any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division,  be  counted,  unless 
he  be  particularly  interested  in  the  decision. 

IX.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before  the  house  un 
less  it  be  seconded,  and  reduced  to  writing  when  required. 

X.  When  any  question  is  before  the  Convention,  it  shall 
be  determined  on  before  any  thing  new  is  introduced,  except 
the  question  for  adjournment. 

XL  The  question  on  a  motion  for  adjournment  shall  be 
taken  before  any  other,  and  without  debate. 

XII.  When  the  Convention  is  to  rise,  every  member  shall 
keep  his  seat  until  the  President  leave  the  chair. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw  obtained  leave  of  absence  till  Sa 
turday  morning. 


JOURNAL   OF   THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.          [1792. 

Resolved, — That  the  house  now  go  into  a  Committee  of 
the  whole  on  the  State  of  the  Church:  Rev.  Dr.  Moore  in 
the  chair. 

The  Committee  rose  and  reported  progress,  and  asked 
leave  to  sit  again. 

Adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


FRIDAY,  10  o'clock  A.M. 

The  Rev.  Uzal  Ogden  read  prayers. 

It  appearing  to  the  Convention,  that  the  Church  in  the 
State  of  Rhode  Island  had  not  acceded  to  the  Constitution, 
but  that  the  deputies  from  the  Church  in  Connecticut  were 
vested  by  the  said  Church  in  Rhode  Island  with  full  powers 
to  act  in  all  things  on  their  behalf; 

Resolved, — That  the  deputies  from  the  Church  in  Con 
necticut  are  authorized  to  accede  to  the  Constitution  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America, 
in  the  name  and  behalf  of  the  Church  in  the  State  of  Rhode 
Island.  • 

Accordingly,  the  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  from  the 
Church  in  Connecticut,  subscribed  the  Constitution  in  the 
name  of  the  Church  in  Rhode  Island. 

Satisfactory  documents  having  been  laid  before  the  Con 
vention  of  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  J.  Claggett, 
D.D.,  to  the  Office  of  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  State  of  Maryland,  and  also  a  testimony  of 
the  Convention  of  the  Church  in  that  State,  in  the  form  pre 
scribed  by  the  Canon ; 

Resolved, — That  this  house  do  now  proceed  to  sign  the 
testimony  in  such  cases  required  from  the  General  Conven 
tion. 

Accordingly,  the  said  testimony  was  signed  by  all  the 
members,  and  delivered  to  the  deputies  from  the  Church  in 
Maryland,  to  be  presented  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Claggett. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore  and  Colonel  Giles  be 
a  Committee  to  request  of  the  Mayor  and  Aldermen  of  New 
York,  the  use  of  two  apartments  in  the  City  Hall,  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  Convention. 

The  house  again  resolved  itself  into  a  Committee  of  the 
whole,  on  the  State  of  the  Church. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  from  the  Committee  of  the  whole, 


1792.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CCNVENTION.      153 

reported,  that  a  motion  for  ratifying  the  proposed  amendment 
of  the  Constitution,  by  which  the  House  of  Bishops  would 
be  invested  with  a  negative  upon  the  proceedings  of  the 
other  house,  was  negatived. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Waddell  obtained  leave  of  absence  for  to 
morrow. 

Adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


SATURDAY,  10  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Pilmore  read  prayers. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Moore  reported,  that  the  Mayor  and  Alder* 
men  had  granted  the  use  of  two  apartments  in  the  City 
Hall  for  the  accommodation  of  the  two  Houses  of  Con 
vention. 

The  house  adjourned  to  the  City  HalL 

Ordered, — That  Major  Lloyd  inform  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  that  this  house  request  a  conference  with  them  on  the 
general  state  of  the  Church,  and  propose  that  the  Bishops 
appoint  the  time  and  place  for  holding  such  conference. 

The  Rev.  Richard  C.  Moore  obtained  leave  of  absence  till 
Monday  morning. 

It  was  moved  to  concur  with  the  resolve  of  the  Committee 
of  the  whole,  on  the  question  respecting  the  Bishops'  negative. 

The  previous  question  was  then  moved — Shall  the  motion 
for  concurrence  be  now  put  ?  and  determined  in  the  negative. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  it  be  made  known  to  the  se 
veral  State  Conventions,  that  it  is  proposed  to  consider  and 
determine,  in  the  next  General  Convention,  on  the  propriety 
of  investing  the  House  of  Bishops  with  a  full  negative  upon 
the  proceedings  of  the  other  house. 

The  house  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  alterations 
of  the  Office  of  consecrating  Bishops,  and  information  that 
they  agreed  to  enter  immediately  into  conference  with  the 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  in  their  house. 

The  house  went  into  conference  with  the  House  of  Bishops. 

After  the  conference,  in  which  the  expediency  of  consider 
ing  the  articles  of  religion  at  this  time  was  discussed, 

Resolved, — That,  as  the  Churches  in  some  of  the  States 
are  not  represented  in  this  Convention,  and  others  only  par 
tially,  the  consideration  of  the  Articles  of  Religion  be  post 
poned  until  the  next  General  Convention. 


154      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1792. 

The  Office  of  Consecration,  as  altered  by  the  House  of 
Bishops,  was  taken  up  and  read. 

It  was  read  a  second  time,  and  considered  by  paragraphs. 

Resolved, — That  it  be  agreed  to  and  passed. 

The  house  received  information  from  the  House  of  Bishops, 
that  they  had  examined  and  approved  the  testimonials  of  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Claggett,  Bishop  elect  of  the  Church  in  Maryland ; 
and  that  they  had  appointed  half  after  10  o'clock  on  Mon 
day  morning  as  the  time  for  his  consecration. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  on  Monday  morning. 


MONDAY,  9  o'clock  A.M. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  read  prayers. 

The  house  adjourned  to  attend  divine  service  in  Trinity 
Church,  on  occasion  of  the  consecration  of  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Claggett,  Bishop  elect  of  the  Church  in  Maryland. 

After  divine  service  the  house  met. 

Resolved  unanimously, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be 
given  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  for  his  Sermon  delivered  this 
day  in  Trinity  Church,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  furnish  a 
copy  of  the  same  for  publication. 

Resolved, — That  a  message  be  sent  to  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  requesting  a  conference  with  them  at  half  after  9  o'clock 
to-morrow. 

This  message  was  carried  by  Major  Lloyd,  who  returned 
and  informed  the  house,  that  the  Bishops  agree  to  meet  the 
house  at  the  hour  proposed. 

A  letter  and  copy  of  proceedings  of  the  Clergy  and  Laity 
of  the  Church  in  North  Carolina  were  laid  before  the  house, 
expressing  their  approbation  of  the  proceedings  of  the  last 
General  Convention  held  in  Philadelphia,  and  their  willing 
ness  to  accede  to  the  Constitution  of  the  Protestant  Episco- 
.pal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America. 

Ordered, — That  they  be  preserved  by  the  Secretary  among 
the  records  of  the  house. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Mr.  Parry  Hall,  printer,  in  Phi 
ladelphia,  which  was  read  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Rigg  and  Rev.  Mr.  Bend  obtained  leave  of 
absence  for  the  remaining  part  of  the  session. 

The  house  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  alterations 


1792.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      155 

of  the  form  and  manner  of  ordering  Priests;  which  were 
read. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


TUESDAY,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  read  prayers. 

The  form  of  ordering  Priests  was  again  read,  and  consider 
ed  by  paragraphs,  and  with  two  amendments  was  passed. 

Ordered, — That  the  House  of  Bishops  be  informed  thereof 
by  Mr.  Bisset;  who  returned  and  reported  that  they  concur 
red  with  the  amendments  proposed  by  this  house. 

The  house  went  into  conference  with  the  House  of  Bishops 
on  the  State  of  the  Church. 

When  the  Bishops  withdrew,  the  President  reported,  that 
the  two  houses  had  agreed  to  appoint  a  joint  Committee  to 
compare  the  printed  edition  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer 
with  the  original  acts  of  the  last  General  Convention,  where 
they  may  judge  it  necessary,  and  to  prepare  a  mode  of  au 
thenticating  the  book  by  some  certain  standard,  and  of  pub 
lishing  future  editions  of  the  same  in  the  Churches  in  the 
different  States. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw,  Rev.  Dr.  Moore, 
Rev.  Mr.  Jarvis,  Col.  Ogden,  John  De  Hart,  Esquire,  and 
Dr.  Hindman,  be  a  Committee  on  the  part  of  this  House  for 
the  above  purpose. 

The  President  also  reported,  that  the  two  houses  had  agreed 
to  appoint  a  joint  committee  for  preparing  a  plan  of  support 
ing  missionaries  to  preach  the  gospel  on  the  frontiers  of  the 
United  States. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Beach,  Rev.  Mr.  Bowden, 
Rev.  Mr.  M'Croskey,  Rev.  Mr.  Frost,  Samuel  Marsh,  Esq., 
Dr.  Martin,  Major  Lloyd,  and  Mr.  Campbell,  be  a  Commit 
tee  on  the  part  of  this  house  for  the  above  purpose. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Frazer,  Rev.  Mr.  Coleman,  Mr.  Andrews, 
and  Mr.  Marsh,  had  leave  of  absence  after  to-morrow 
morning. 

Resolved, — That  the  next  meeting  of  the  General  Con- 
vontion  be  held  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia;  and  that  the 
House  of  Bishops  be  requested  to  appoint  one  of  their  body 
to  open  the  Convention  with  a  Sermon. 

Ordered,  that  the  Rev.    Mr.   Frost  communicate  to   the 


156      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1792. 

House  of  Bishops  the  above  resolve,  and  appointment  of 
committees. 

The  House  of  Bishops  informed  the  house  that  they  had 
appointed  Bishops  Seabury  and  White  a  Committee  to  act  in 
conjunction  with  a  Committee  appointed  by  this  house,  to 
compare  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  with  the  original  acts, 
etc. ;  and  Bishops  Madison  and  Claggett  a  Committee  to  act 
with  the  Committee  appointed  for  preparing  a  plan  of  sup 
porting  missionaries,  etc. 

The  house  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops  alterations 
of  the  form  and  manner  of  making  Deacons. 

Ordered  that  they  be  read. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
forming  this  house  that  they  agreed  to  the  resolve  of  holding 
the  next  meeting  of  the  General  Convention  in  Philadelphia, 
and  that  they  had  appointed  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Provoost  to 
open  the  Convention  with  a  Sermon. 

The  form  of  making  Deacons  was  again  taken  up  and  con 
sidered  by  paragraphs,  and,  with  some  amendments,  was 
agreed  to. 

Ordered,  that  Mr.  Bisset  carry  it  to  the  House  of  Bishops 
and  request  their  concurrence  with  the  amendments  pro 
posed. 

The  House  of  Bishops  informed  the  house,  that  they  con 
curred  with  the  amendments  proposed  to  the  form  of  making 
Deacons. 

The  house  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops  additional 
Canons,  and  a  resolve  for  printing  in  one  book  the  form  of 
ordaining  Deacons,  Priests,  and  Bishops. 

Ordered  that  the  Canons  be  read. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


WEDNESDAY,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw  read  prayers. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw,  from  the  Committee  appointed  for 
comparing  the  printed  edition  of  the  Book  of  Common 
Prayer  with  the  original  acts3etc.,  brought  in  a  report,  which 
was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Beach,  from  the  Committee  appointed  for 
preparing  a  plan  for  supporting  missionaries,  etc.,  brought  in 
a  report,  which  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 


1792.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      157 

The  additional  Canons  were  again  taken  up,  and  consi 
dered  by  paragraphs. 

Six  additional  Canons  were,  with  amendments,  agreed  to 
and  enacted;  and,  with  an  amendment  of  the  7th  Canon,  or 
dered  to  be  sent  by  Mr.  Bisset  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  for 
their  concurrence  in  the  amendments  of  this  house. 

The  House  of  Bishops  informed  the  house,  that  they  con 
curred  with  the  amendments  proposed  by  this  house  to  the 
Canons,  except  to  the  amendment  to  the  4th. 

Resolved, — That  the  house  concur  with  the  resolve  of  the 
House  of  Bishops,  for  printing  in  one  book  the  form  of  or 
daining  Deacons,  Priests,  and  Bishops,  and  that  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Moore  be  appointed,  on  the  part  of  this  house,  for  that 
purpose. 

Resolved, — That  the  house  adhere  to  their  amendment  of 
the  4th  Canon;  and  that  Colonel  Ogden  inform  the  House 
of  Bishops  thereof. 

The  report  of  the  Committee  on  the  Book  of  Common 
Prayer  was  again  taken  up,  and  considered  by  paragraphs; 
and,  with  amendments,  sent  by  the  Secretary  to  the  House 
of  Bishops  for  their  concurrence. 

The  House  of  Bishops  informed  the  House,  that  they  re 
cede  from  their  disagreement  to  the  amendment  of  the  4th 
Canon,  and  agree  to  the  resolve  respecting  the  negative  of 
the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  report  of  the  Committee  on  the  plan  for  supporting 
missionaries,  etc.,  was  again  taken  up  and  considered  by  pa 
ragraphs,  and  some  amendments  were  proposed  and  agreed 
to. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  pro 
posing  that  a  joint  Committee  be  appointed  for  publishing 
Journals  of  the  two  house.s,  and  that  the  Lists  of  Clergy  be 
printed  in  an  Appendix. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Bowie  and  Dr.  Hindman  obtained  leave  of 
absence. 

Adjourned  to  5  o'clock  P.M. 

Five  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  house  met,  and  proceeded  in  the  consideration  of  the 
report  on  the  plan  for  supporting  missionaries,  etc.,  which 
was  agreed  to  with  amendments;  and  the  Secretary  was 
desired  to  carry  it  to  the  House  of  Bishops  for  their  con 
currence. 


158  JOURNAL   OF  THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.  [1792. 

Ordered,  that  the  Presiding  bishop  be  requested  to  forward 
to  his  Grace  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  thirty  copies  of 
the  Journal  for  his  use,  and  for  the  use  of  the  Eight  Rev. 
the  Bishops  of  England. 

The  house  proceeded  to  appoint  a  Standing  Committee, 
and  the  following  gentlemen  were  chosen : 

For  New  Hampshire,  the  Hon.  Mr.  Livermore. 

For  Massachusetts,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker. 

For  Rhode  Island,  the  Rev.  William  Smith. 

For  Connecticut,  the  Rev.  Abraham  Jarvis. 

For  New  York,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  Rev.  Dr.  Beach, 
Richard  Harrison,  Esq. 

For  New  Jersey,  the  Rev.  Uzal  Ogden,  Mr.  J.  M.  Wal 
lace,  Colonel  Ogden. 

For  Pennsylvania,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw,  Rev.  Dr.  Black- 
well,  Rev.  Mr.  Pilmore,  Hon.  Mr.  Powell,  Dr.  Rush,  Mr. 
John  Wilcocks. 

For  Delaware,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thome,  Nicholas  Ridgely, 
Esq. 

For  Maryland,  the  Rev.  John  Bisset,  Major  Lloyd. 

For  Virginia,  Rev.  Mr.  M'Croskey,  Robert  Andrews,  Esq. 

For  South  Carolina,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  Hon.  Mr.  Izard. 

Ordered,  that  the  President  of  this  house  is  chairman  of 
the  above  Committee,  and  is  empowered  to  call  together  the 
members. 

The  House  of  Bishops  proposed  an  amendment  to  the  re 
port  respecting  missionaries,  which  was  agreed  to. 

The  house  proceeded  to  appoint  a  Committee  for  carrying 
into  effect  the  act  respecting  missionaries ;  and  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Smith,  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw,  Rev.  Dr.  Blackwell,  Rev.  Dr.  An 
drews,  Hon.  Mr.  Powell,  Mr.  John  Wood,  and  Dr.  Rush, 
were  chosen: 

Ordered,  that  the  Secretary  inform  the  House  of  Bishops 
thereof. 

The  House  of  Bishops  informed  the  house  that  they  agree 
to  the  amendment  of  the  7th  Canon  of  the  last  Convention, 
and  propose  that  the  annexed  certificate  be  altered,  to  cor 
respond  with  it ;  and  that  the  Canon  so  altered,  be  published 
as  a  Canon  of  this  Convention. 

Resolved, — That  the  above  proposal  be  agreed  to. 
The  house  proceeded  to  appoint  a  Committee  on  the  part 
of  this  house,  for  publishing  and  authenticating  the  Book  of 
Common  Prayer,  agreeably  to  an  act  of  Convention  passed 


1792.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      159 

for  that  purpose ;  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  Rev.  Dr.  Beach, 
and  Dr.  Johnson  were  chosen. 

Ordered,  that  the  House  of  Bishops  be  informed  thereof 
by  the  Secretary,  who  reported  that  they  had  appointed  the 
Eight  Rev.  Dr.  Provoost. 

Resolved  unanimously, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be 
given  to  the  Mayor  and  Aldermen  of  New  York  for  the  use 
of  the  City  Hall ;  and  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore  and  Colonel 
Giles  communicate  the  same. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  Rev.  Dr.  Beach,  and 
the  Secretary,  be  a  Committee  on  the  part  of  this  house,  for 
levising,  correcting  and  publishing  the  Journals. 

Ordered,  that  one  thousand  copies  of  the  Journals  be 
printed. 

Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  the  house  be  given  to  the 
President  and  Secretary  for  their  attention  and  services. 

The  house  rose. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties. 

WILLIAM  SMITH,  PRESIDENT. 

Attest:  J.  BISSET,  Secretary. 


JOURNAL 


OF   THE 


of  -JBis^ops. 


NEW  YORK, 
SEPTEMBER  llth,  1792. 

Right  Rev.  Dr.  Seabury,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  States  of  Connecticut  and 
Rhode  Island,  attended  in  Trinity  Church  at  10 
o'clock,  A.M.,  and,  after  prayers, 

Adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


WEDNESDAY,  10  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  members  met.  Present:  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Seabury, 
Right  Rev.  Dr.  Provoost,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episco 
pal  Church  in  New  York ;  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White,  Bishop  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Pennsylvania;  and  the 
Right  Rev.  Dr.  Madison,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  Virginia. 

They  then  attended  divine  service.  The  Right  Rev.  Dr. 
Madison  read  prayers,  and  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Seabury 
preached,  agreeably  to  the  appointment  of  the  last  General 
Convention. 

After  divine  service,  they  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  a  Se 
cretary,  and  the  Rev.  Samuel  Keene  was  appointed  pro  tern. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  informed  the 
Bishops  that  they  were  organized,  and  ready  to  proceed  to 
business,  and  that  they  propose  10  o'clock  A.M.,  as  the  stated 
hour  of  meeting. 

VOL.  I.— 11  (161) 


162      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1792. 

The  Bishops  agreed  to  meet  at  the  same  hour,  and  desired 
their  Secretary  to  notify  the  same  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  Bishops  took  into  consideration  the  form  and  manner 
of  making,  ordaining,  and  consecrating  Bishops,  Priests,  and 
Deacons;  and,  after  some  deliberation,  agreed  to  postpone 
the  farther  consideration  thereof  till  Friday  next. 

Adjourned. 


THURSDAY,  10  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  Bishops  met,  and  attended  prayers  m  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  first  rule  for  the  government  of  the  House  of  Bishops, 
as  agreed  on  at  the  last  Convention,  was  re-considered. 

Resolved, — That  the  said  rule  be  rescinded — that  the  fol 
lowing  be  adopted  instead  thereof,  viz. :  The  office  of  Presi 
dent  of  this  house  shall  be  held  in  rotation,  beginning  from 
the  North ;  reference  being  had  to  the  Presidency  of  this 
house  in  the  last  Convention. 

In  consequence  of  the  above  rule,  the  Right  Rev.  Dr. 
Provoost  took  the  chair.  Adjourned. 


FRIDAY,  10  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met.  Present:  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Provoost, 
Right  Rev.  Dr.  Seabury,  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White,  and  Right 
Rev.  Dr.  Madison;  and  attended  prayers  in  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  house  went  into  the  consideration  of  the  form  and 
manner  of  making,  ordaining,  and  consecrating  Bishops, 
Priests,  and  Deacons,  agreeably  to  the  postponement  of 
Wednesday  last. 

A  message  being  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  Informing  this  house 
that  they  had  appointed  a  Committee  to  apply  for  the  use  of 
an  apartment  in  the  City  Hall ;  and  that,  if  it  meet  with  the 
concurrence  of  this  house,  application  will  also  be  made  for 
another  apartment  to  accommodate  the  Bishops. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore  be  requested  to  in 
form  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  that  thia 
house  do  concur  in  their  proposition. 


1792.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      163 

The  house  proceeded  in  the  consideration  of  the  form 
of  ordaining  or  consecrating  a  Bishop ;  and  having  agreed  on 
sundry  alterations  of  the  same,  appointed  Bishops  White  and 
Madison  a  Committee  to  prepare  a  draft  of  the  said  altera 
tions,  to  be  laid  before  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned. 


SATURDAY  MORNING. 

The  house  met — present  as  yesterday. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Keene  being  obliged  to  resign  the  office  of 
Secretary,  the  Rev.  L.  Cutting  was  chosen  in  his  stead. 

The  house  received  a  message  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore, 
that  rooms  were  prepared  in  the  City  Hall  for  the  reception 
of  the  two  Houses  of  Convention. 

The  house  received  a  message  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Beach,  ask 
ing  this  house  to  concur  with  them  in  thanking  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Seabury  for  his  Sermon  delivered  at  the  opening 
of  the  Convention,  and  in  requesting  a  copy  of  the  same,  to 
be  printed. 

Resolved, — That  this  house  concurs  with  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  in  thanking  the  Right  Rev.  Bish 
op  Seabury  for  his  Sermon,  delivered  at  the  opening  of  the 
Convention,  and  in  requesting  a  copy  of  the  same,  to  be 
printed. 

The  Clerical  and  Lay  deputies  from  the  State  of  Mary 
land,  presented  to  this  house  the  Rev.  Thomas  John  Clag- 
gett,  D.D.,  as  Bishop  elect  of  the  Church  in  the  said  State, 
requesting  that  his  consecration  might  be  expedited.  The 
said  deputies  laid  before  the  house  the  proceedings  of  the 
Convention  held  in  Annapolis,  in  May,  1792,  respecting  the 
election  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Claggett,  together  with  the  certifi 
cates  required  by  the  2d  Canon. 

Adjourned  to  the  Senate  Chamber  in  the  City  Hall,  agree 
ably  to  the  determination  of  yesterday. 

SENATE  CHAMBER,  CITY  HALL. 

The  Committee  reported  a  draft  of  the  alterations  in  the 
Consecration  Service, 

The  house  received  a  message  from  the  Clerical  and  Lay 


164  JOURNAL   OF  THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.          [1792. 

deputies  by  Hon.  Mr.  Lloyd,  requesting  a  conference  with 
them  on  the  general  state  of  the  Church. 

Resolved, — That  the  alterations  in  the  Consecration  Ser 
vice  be  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  for 
their  concurrence ;  and  that  they  be  informed  this  house  is 
now  ready  to  meet  them  in  their  room  on  the  proposed  con 
ference. 

The  house  went  into  a  conference  with  the  House  of  Cleri 
cal  and  Lay  Deputies,  in  which  the  President  of  this  house 
was  requested  to  take  the  chair,  when  the  following  motion 
was  made. 

Agreed,  that  as  the  churches  in  some  of  the  States  are  not 
represented  in  this  Convention,  and  others  only  partially, 
the  consideration  of  the  Articles  of  Religion  be  postponed 
until  the  next  General  Convention — which  passed  in  the 
negative  in  the  House  of  Bishops,  and  in  the  affirmative  in 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  house  having  considered  the  testimonials  respecting 
the  election  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Claggett,  and  found  them  satis 
factory, 

Resolved, — That  the  consecration  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas 
John  Claggett  take  place  on  Monday  morning  at  half-past  10. 

Adjourned. 


MONDAY  MORNING,  9  o'clock. 

House  met.     Present  as  on  Saturday. 

The  house  took  under  consideration  the  offices  for  ordain 
ing  Priests  and  Deacons,  and  having  made  some  advance 
therein,  proceeded  to  Trinity  Church,  to  the  consecration  of 
the  Rev.  Thomas  John  Claggett,  D.D. ;  and  after  divine  ser 
vice  returned  to  their  house,  when  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Claggett  took  his  seat. 

A  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies, 
reporting  that  they  concurred  with  the  House  of  Bishops  in 
their  alterations  in  the  form  of  consecrating  Bishops. 

A  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies, 
requesting  a  conference  between  the  two  houses  to-morrow 
morning,  at  half-past  9  o'clock. 

In  consideration  of  the  resolve  of  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  respecting  the  articles,  this  house  agree 
to  postpone  the  same. 


1792.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      165 

Resolved, — That  a  record  of  the  certificate  of  the  conse 
cration  of  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Claggett  be  entered  on  the 
Journals  of  this  house;  and  that  the  Rector,  Church  War 
dens,  and  Vestry  of  Trinity  Church,  be  requested  to  enter  it 
on  their  church  book. 

Resolved, — That  it  be  proposed  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies  to  publish,  in  one  book,  the  form  and  man 
ner  of  making,  ordaining,  and  consecrating  Bishops,  Priests, 
and  Deacons,  conformably  to  the  alterations  agreed  on  be 
tween  the  two  houses. 

Adjourned  till  half-past  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


TUESDAY  MORNING,  half-past  9. 

House  met.  Present,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishops  Provoost, 
Seabury,  White,  Madison,  and  Claggett. 

The  house  originated  certain  Canons,  and  sent  them  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  for  their  concurrence. 

The  house  received  a  message  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset, 
from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  proposing  two 
amendments  in  the  Office  for  ordaining  Priests;  to  both 
which  the  house  agreed. 

The  house  went  into  a  conference  with  the  House  of  Cle 
rical  and  Lay  Deputies.  The  President  of  this  house  was 
requested  to  take  the  chair — in  which  conference  the  follow 
ing  propositions  were  agreed  to. 

Resolved, — That  a  joint  Committee  be  appointed  to  com 
pare  the  printed  edition  of  the  Common  Prayer  Book  with 
the  original  acts  of  the  last  General  Convention,  where  they 
may  judge  it  necessary,  and  to  adopt  a  mode  of  authenti 
cating  the  book  by  some  certain  standard,  and  for  publishing 
future  editions  of  the  same  in  the  churches  of  the  different 
States. 

Resolved, — That  a  joint  Committee  of  both  houses  be  ap 
pointed  to  report  a  plan  for  supporting  missionaries  to  preach 
the  Gospel  on  the  frontiers  of  the  United  States. 

Resolved, — That  the  Right  Rev.  Bishops  Seabury  and 
White  be  a  Committee  from  this  house  on  the  first  proposi 
tion  ;  and  the  Right  Rev.  Bishops  Madison  and  Claggett  be 
a  Committee  on  the  last. 

The  house  received  a  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  proposing  that  the  next  General  Conven- 


166     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1792. 

tion  be  held  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  and  that  this  house 
would  appoint  one  of  their  body  to  open  the  Convention 
with  a  Sermon. 

Resolved, — That  this  house  agree  to  the  above,  and  re 
quest  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Provoost  to  preach  the  Sermon. 

The  house  originated  alterations  in  the  Office  for  ordaining 
Deacons ;  and  alterations  of  the  Preface,  and  of  the  Title  of 
the  book  of  ordination  and  consecration,  and  sent  them  to 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  requesting  their 
concurrence. 

The  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  amendments  to  the  additions  in  the  Office  for  or 
daining  Deacons,  and  in  the  Preface;  in  which  the  house 
concurred. 

Adjourned. 


WEDNESDAY,  September  19. 

The  house  met.  Present  as  yesterday,  except  Bishop 
Claggett. 

The  house  received  a  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  asking  the  concurrence  of  the  house  in  a 
resolve  of  thanks  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  for  his  Sermon  de 
livered  before  them  on  the  occasion  of  the  consecration  of 
Bishop  Claggett,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy 
of  the  same  for  publication. 

Resolved, — That  this  house  concur  in  the  same. 

The  Committee  appointed  yesterday  to  compare  the  printed 
edition,  etc.,  also  the  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  plan 
for  supporting  missionaries  to  preach  the  Gospel  on  the  fron 
tiers  of  the  United  States,  made  report. 

Resolved, — That  the  several  members  of  this  house  deliver 
to  the  Secretary  the  Lists  of  the  Clergy  of  their  respective 
dioceses,  and  that  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies 
be  requested  to  send  to  this  house  the  lists  from  the  several 
States  in  which  there  are  no  Bishops,  agreeably  to  the  16th 
Canon,  and  that  the  said  Lists  be  printed  as  an  Appendix  to 
the  Journal. 

This  house  received  a  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  proposing  as  follows: 

That  it  be  made  known  to  the  several  State  Conventions, 
that  it  is  proposed  to  consider  and  determine,  in  the  next 


1792.]      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.          167 

General  Convention,  on  the  propriety  of  investing  the  House 
of  Bishops  with  a  full  negative  on  the  proceedings  of  the 
other  house. 

This  house  concurs  in  the  above,  and  agrees  to  the  amend 
ment  of  the  4th  Canon. 

The  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  their  concurrence  with  the  proposal  concerning  the 
publication  of  the  ordination  and  consecration  services.  In 
that  proposal,  the  President  of  this  house  was  named  on  the 
joint  Committee  by  this  house,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore  is 
appointed  on  the  part  of  the  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  amendments  of  the  report  of  the  joint  Committee 
to  compare  the  printed  edition  of  the  Prayer  Book,  etc. ;  to 
which  this  house  agreed,  and  passed  the  report. 

The  house  sent  information  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  that  they  propose  to  adjourn  to  6  o'clock  this 
evening. 

The  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  amendments  of  the  report  of  the  joint  Committee 
on  the  plan  for  supporting  missionaries  to  preach  the  Gospel 
on  the  frontiers  of  the  United  States,  to  which  this  house 
proposed  an  addition. 

The  house  also  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  a  proposal  of  sending  Journals  of  this  Con 
vention  to  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  for  the  purpose  ^of 
informing  his  Grace,  and  the  other  Prelates  of  England,  of 
the  state  and  proceedings  of  this  Church. 

llesolved, — That  the  house  concur  therein. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  concurred  in  the 
report  of  the  plan  for  the  support  of  missionaries,  etc.,  and 
named  the  requisite  Committee;  with  which  this  house 
agreed. 

The  house  received  a  proposal  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  for  printing  one  thousand  copies  of  the 
Journal;  also  a  message  as  to  the  mode  of  authenticating 
the  acts  of  the  Convention. 

This  house  agreed  to  the  former,  and  proposed  the  acts  to 
be  authenticated  by  the  signatures  of  the  Presidents  of  the 
respective  houses. 

The  house  received  a  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  with  information  that  they  had  appointed 


168      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1792. 

a  Committee  to  superintend  the  printing  a  correct  edition  of 
the  Common  Prayer  Book,  requesting  that  a  Committee  be 
appointed  from  this  house  for  the  same  purpose ;  when  Bishop 
Provoost  was  accordingly  appointed. 

A  message,  reporting  that  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  concur  with  the  proposal  respecting  the  7th 
Canon. 

The  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  their  concurrence  to  the  proposal  of  printing  a  List 
of  the  Clergy,  in  an  Appendix  to  the  Journal. 

A  message  was  received,  desiring  the  concurrence  of  this 
house  to  the  appointing  a  Committee  for  printing  their  Jour 
nal ;  when  Bishop  Provoost  was  appointed. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be 
given  to  the  Rev.  L.  Cutting,  for  his  services  as  Secretary. 

The  house  rose. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Bishops. 

SAMUEL  PROVOOST, 

PRESIDENT. 
Attest:  L.  CUTTING,  Secretary. 


1792J 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      169 


THE  CERTIFICATE   OF  THE  CONSECRATION  OF 
THE  RIGHT  REV.  BISHOP  CLAGGETT. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we,  Samuel  Provoost,  D.D., 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  New  York, 
Presiding  Bishop;  Samuel  Seabury,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Connecticut  and 
Rhode  Island ;  William  White,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania;  James  Madison,  D.D., 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Virginia ;  un 
der  the  protection  of  Almighty  God,  in  Trinity  Church,  in  the  city  of 
New  York,  on  Monday,  the  seventeenth  of  September,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  One  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety-two,  did  then  and  there  rightly 
and  canonically  consecrate  our  beloved  in  Christ,  Thomas  John  Claggett, 
D.D.,  late  Rector  of  St.  James's  parish  in  the  State  of  Maryland,  of  whose 
sufficiency  in  good  learning,  ssundness  in  the  faith,  and  purity  of  man 
ners,  we  were  fully  ascertained,  into  the  office  of  Bishop  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  said  State,  to  which  the  said  Thomas  John 
Claggett  hath  been  elected  by  the  Convention  of  the  said  State.  In  tes 
timony  whereof  we  have  signed  our  names  and  caused  our  seals  to  be 
affixed. 

Given  in  the  city  of  New  York  this  nineteenth  day  of  September,  in. 
the  year  of  our  Lord  One  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety-two. 
SAMUEL  PROVOOST.  [L.  s.] 

S.  SEABURY.  [L.  s.] 

WM.  WHITE.  [L.  s.] 

J.  MADISON.  [L.  s.] 


A  true  copy  of  the  Certificate  of  the  Consecration  of  the  Right  Rev. 
Dr.  Thomas  John  Claggett,  as  compared  with  the  original,  by 
LEOC.  CUTTING, 

SECRETARY  OP  THE  HOUSE  OP  BISHOPS. 
J.  BISSET, 
SECRETARY  OP  THE  HOUSE  OP  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES. 


170  JOURNAL  OF  THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.         [1792. 

Sbbifional    (Janons. 
i. 

For  a  more  full  accomplishment  of  the  good  purposes  to  be  answered 
by  the  16th  Canon,  enacted  by  the  last  General  Convention,  it  is  hereby 
required,  that  every  Clergyman  claiming  to  be  a  Minister  of  this  Church, 
shall  deliver  in  his  name  to  the  Bishop,  or  if  there  be  no  Bishop,  to  th« 
chairman  or  some  member  of  the  Standing  Committee  of  the  Church  in 
the  State  in  which  he  resides,  on  or  before  Easter  Monday,  1793;  or,  if  he 
be  not  within  any  of  the  States  which  have  acceded  to  the  Constitution  of 
this  Church,  then  within  three  months  after  he  shall  come  to  reside  in  any 
of  the  said  States.  And  every  Clergyman,  during  his  neglect  of  confor 
mity  to  this  Canon,  shall  not  be  known  as  a  Clergyman  of  this  Church, 
or  be  admitted  to  minister  in  any  offices  of  the  same. 

II. 

If  a  Clergyman  of  the  Church  in  any  diocese  or  district  within  this 
union  shall,  in  any  other  diocese  or  district,  conduct  himself  in  such  a 
way  as  is  contrary  to  the  rules  of  this  Church,  and  disgraceful  to  his 
office,  the  bishop,  or,  if  there  be  no  bishop,  the  Standing  Committee, 
shall  give  notice  thereof  to  the  ecclesiastical  authority  of  the  diocese  or 
district  to  which  such  offender  .belongs,  exhibiting,  with  the  information 
given,  the  proofs  of  the  charges  made  against  him. 

III. 

Whenever  a  Clergyman  shall  be  degraded,  agreeably  to  the  Canons  of 
any  particular  Church  in  the  union,  the  Bishop  who  pronounces  sentence, 
shall,  without  delay,  cause  the  sentence  of  degradation  to  be  published 
from  every  pulpit  where  there  may  be  an  officiating  minister,  throughout 
the  diocese  or  district  in  which  the  degraded  minister  resided ;  and  also 
shall  give  information  of  the  sentence  to  all  the  Bishops  of  this  Church, 
and,  where  there  is  no'  Bishop,  to  the  Standing  Committee. 

IV. 

In  regard  to  the  first  certificate  required  in  favour  of  a  Bishop  elect,  by 
the  2d  Canon  of  the  last  General  Convention,  and  the  certificate  required 
in  favour  of  a  candidate  for  Priest's  or  Deacon's  Orders  by  the  6th  Canon, 
if  there  be  any  members  of  the  bodies  respectively  concerned  who  have 
not  the  requisite  personal  knowledge  of  the  parties,  such  persons  may  pre 
fix  the  following  declaration  to  their  signatures : 

"  We  believe  the  testimony  contained  in  the  above  Certificate,  and  we 
join  in  the  recommendation  of  A.  B.  to  the  office  of  ...  on  suffi 
cient  evidence  offered  to  us  of  the  facts  set  forth." 

Provided,  that  in  the  case  of  a  Priest  or  Deacon,  two  at  least  of  the 
Standing  Committee  sign  the  same,  as  being  personally  acquainted  with 
the  candidate. 


1792.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     171 

V, 

No  stranger  shall  be  permitted  to  officiate  in  any  congregation  of- this 
Church,  without  first  producing  the  evidences  of  his  being  a  minister 
thereof  to  the  minister,  or,  in  case  of  vacancy  or  absence,  to  the  church 
wardens,  vestrymen,  or  trustees  of  the  congregation.  And  in  case  any 
person  not  regularly  ordained  shall  assume  the  ministerial  office,  and 
perform  any  of  the  duties  thereof  in  this  Church,  the  minister,  or,  in  case 
of  vacancy  or  absence,  the  church  wardens,  vestrymen,  or  trustees  of  the 
congregation  where  such  offence  may  be  committed,  shall  cause  the  name 
of  such  person,  together  with  the  offence,  to  be  published  in  as  many  of 
the  public  papers  as  may  be  convenient. 

VI. 

No  clergyman  belonging  to  this  church  shall  officiate,  either  by  preach 
ing  or  reading  prayers,  in  the  parish,  or  within  the  parochial  cure  of  an 
other  clergyman,  unless  he  have  received  express  permission  for  that 
purpose  from  the  minister  of  the  parish  or  cure,  or,  in  his  absence,  from 
the  church  wardens,  vestrymen,  or  trustees  of  the  congregation. 

The  Seventh  Canon  of  the  last  General  Convention,  as  al 
tered  and  amended  by  this  Convention. 

Of  the  Learning  of  those  who  are  to  be  Ordained. 

No  person  shall  be  ordained  in  this  Church  until  he  shall  have  satisfied 
the  Bishop  and  the  two  Presbyters,  by  whom  he  shall  be  examined,  that 
i.e  is  sufficiently  acquainted  with  the  New  Testament  in  the  original 
Greek,  and  can  give  an  account  of  his  faith  in  the  Latin  tongue,  either 
in  writing  or  otherwise,  as  may  be  required ;  and  that  he  hath  a  compe 
tent  knowledge  of  moral  philosophy,  church  history,  and  the  belles  lettres, 
and  hath  paid  attention  to  rhetoric  and  pulpit  eloquence,  as  the  means  of 
giving  additional  efficacy  to  his  labours,  Unless  it  shall  be  recom 
mended  to  the  Bishop  by  two-thirds  of  the  State  Convention  to  which 
he  belongs,  to  dispense  with  the  aforesaid  requisition  in  whole  or  in 
part:  which  recommendation  shall  only  be  for  good  causes  moving  there 
unto,  and  shall  be  in  the  following  words,  with  the  signatures  of  the 
names  of  the  majority  of  such  Convention: 

"  We  whose  names  are  underwritten,  are  of  opinion,  that  the  dispens 
ing  with  the  knowledge  of  the  Latin  and  Greek  languages  [or  either  of 
the  other  requisites  specified  in  the  Seventh  Canon,  as  the  case  may  be] 
in  the  examination  of  A.  B.  for  Holy  Orders,  will  be  of  use  to  the  Church 
of  which  we  are  the  Convention,  in  consideration  of  other  qualifications 
of  the  said  A.  B.  for  the  Gospel  ministry." 

Enacted,  September  19th,  1792. 

HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS: 

SAMUEL  PROVOOST,  PRESIDENT. 

ATTEST:  L,  CUTTING,  Secretary. 

HOUSE  OF  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES: 

WILLIAM  SMITH,  PRESIDENT. 
ATTEST:  J.  BISSET,  Secretary. 


172      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1792. 

An  Act  of  the  General  Convention,  for  supporting  Mission 
aries  to  preach  the  Gospel  on  the  frontiers  of  the  United 
States. 

1.  Resolved, — That  it  be  recommended  to  the  ministers  of  this  Church 
to  preach  a  sermon  in  each  of  the  churches  under  their  care,  on  the  first 
Sunday  of  September  in  every  year;  and,  if  that  day  should  not  be  adapt 
ed  to  the  purpose,  then  on  such  other  Sunday  as  the  minister  and  vestry 
or  trustees  of  the  congregation  shall  appoint,  for  the  purpose  of  collect 
ing  money  in  order  to  carry  into  effect  this  charitable  design. 

2.  That  the  money  so  collected  be  entered  in  a  record  to  be  kept  by  the 
vestries  or  trustees  of  each  congregation ;  and  by  the  minister  and  church 
wardens  or  trustees  be  delivered  to  a  treasurer  appointed  by  each  State 
Convention,  and  by  him  transmitted  to  a  treasurer  who  shall  be  appointed 
as  herein  after  directed. 

3.  That  such  missionaries  as  may  be  employed  by  this  Church,  be  au 
thorized  to  make  collections  of  money  from  such  congregations  on  the 
frontiers  as  may  contribute,  and  render  an  accurate  account  to  the  bishop 
of  this  Church  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  and  the  Standing  Commit 
tee  to  be  appointed  by  this  Convention,  of  the  sums  thus  collected. 

4.  That  the  bishop  of  this  Church  in  Pennsylvania,  and  the  said  Stand 
ing  Committee,  frame  an  address  to  the  members  of  this  Church,  recom 
mending  this  charitable  design  to  their  particular  attention,  which  ad 
dress  shall  be  read  by  every  minister  on  the  day  appointed  for  the  col 
lection. 

5.  That  the  bishop  of  this  Church  in  Pennsylvania,  and  the  said  Stand 
ing  Committee,  have  authority  to  appoint  a  secretary  and  a  treasurer,  the 
first  to  carry  on  the  correspondence,  and  the  other  to  keep  the  accounts 
and  the  moneys  of  the  institution. 

6.  That  when  it  shall  appear  to  the  bishop  of  this  Church  in  Pennsyl 
vania,  and  the  Standing  Committee  to  be  appointed  as  aforesaid,  that  suf 
ficient  funds  have  been  provided  for  the  above  purpose,  they  shall  then 
employ  such  missionaries,  allow  such  salaries,  and  make  such  arrange 
ments,  as  to  them  shall  seem  best,  reporting  regularly  their  proceedings 
to  each  General  Convention. 


An  Act  of  the  General  Convention  for  publishing  future 
Editions  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  in  the  Churches 
in  the  different  States. 

Resolved, — That  a  committee  be  appointed  by  the  General  Convention 
for  the  purpose  of  publishing  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  and  securing 
the  copy  rig^ht  to  them  and  their  assigns,  in  trust  for  the  Convention ; 
and  that  this  committee  be  empowered  and  directed  to  convey  a  right  to 
print  the  book  to  any  printer  or  printers  in  any  of  the  States,  who  may 
be  recommended  for  that  purpose  by  the  State  Convention,  or  their 


1792.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      173 

Standing  Committee,  free  from  any  premium  for  copy  right ;  such  State 
Convention  or  Standing  Committee  to  superintend,  and  correct  the  press 
according  to  the  standard  book. 


The  Rev.  J.  L.  Wilson,  Clerical  Deputy  from  the  State  of 
North  Carolina,  having  been  detained  by  contrary  winds, 
did  not  arrive  in  the  city  of  New  York  till  the  28th  instant, 
the  Convention  having  risen  a  few  days  before. 

J.  BISSBT,  Secretary. 


APPENDIX. 

£igf  of  flj? 


OP   THE 

PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHUECH. 

DELIVERED   IN    AND     PUBLISHED   AGREEABLY    TO    THE    16TH 
CANON   OF  THE   LAST   GENERAL   CONVENTION. 


From  NEW  HAMPSHIRE  and  MASSACHUSETTS  no  list  was  delivered  in. 

RHODE  ISLAND. 

The  Rev.  Moses  Badger,  Rector  of  King's  church,  Providence. 
The  Rev.  William  Smith,  Rector  of  Trinity  church,  Newport. 

CONNECTICUT. 

The  Rev.  Ebenezer  Dibble,  Rector  of  St.  John's  church  Stamford, 

Rev.  George  Ogilvie,  St.  Paul's  church,  Norwalk. 

Rev.  Philo  Shelton,  Stratfield. 

Rev.  Dr.  Bela  Hubbard,  Trinity  church,  New  Haven. 

Rev.  Philo  Perry,  Christ  church,  Newtown. 

Rev.  David  Perry,  Reading,  etc. 

Rev.  Truman  Marsh,  New  Milford. 

Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  Litchfield. 

Rev.  Ambrose  Todd,  Symsbury. 

Rev.  Abraham  Lynsen  Clarke,  Huntington. 

Rev.  Dr.  Richard  Mansfield,  Derby. 

Rev.  Reuben  Ives,  Cheshire. 

Rev.  Dr.  Abraham  Jarvis,  Christ  Church,  Middleton. 

Rev.  Daniel  Fogg,  Brooklyn. 

Rev.  John  Tyler,  Christ  church,  Norwich. 

Rev.  Chauncey  Prmdle,  Westbury. 

Rev.  John  Bowden,  residing  at  Stratford. 

Rev.  Edward  Blakslee,  Deacon,  Woodbridge. 

Rev.  Solomon  Blakslee,  Deacon,  East  Haddam. 

Rev.  David  Belden,  Deacon, . 

Rev.  Seth  Hart,  Deacon,  Waterbury. 

Rev.  David  Butler,  Deacon,  North  Guilford. 

(1T5) 


176  APPENDIX.  [1792. 

NEW  YORK. 

Rev.  Jeremiah  Learning,  D.D.,  residing  in  New  York. 
Rev.  Abraham  Beach,  D.D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church,  New 

York. 
Rev.  Benjamin  Moore,  D.D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church,  New 

York. 

Rev.  Thomas  L.  Moore,  Rector  of  St.  George's  church,  South  Hempstead. 
Rev.  Thomas  Ellison,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Albany. 
Rev.  Richard  C.  Moore,  Rector  of  St.  Andrew's  church,  Staten  Island. 
Rev.  Daniel  Foote,  Rector  of  the  United  churches  at  Rye  and  White  Plains. 
Rev.  George  H.  Spierin,  Rector  of  the  United  churches  at  Newburgh  and 

Wallkill. 

Rev.  Elias  Cooper,  Rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Philipsburgh. 
Rev.  Andrew  Fowler,  Rector  of  the  United  churches  at  Peek's  Kill  and 

Highlands. 

Rev.  Theodosius  Bartow,  Rector  of  the  church  at  New  Rochelle. 
Rev.  William  Hammel,  Rector  of  the  United  churches  at  Jamaica,  New- 
town,  and  Flushing. 

Rev.  Ambrose  Hull,  Rector  of  the  church  at  Brooklyn. 
Rev.  Ammi  Rogers,  Rector  of  the  United  churches  at  Schenectady  and 

Ballstown. 

Rev.  Gideon  Bostwick  officiates  every  third  Sunday  at  Hudson. 
Rev.  James  Nicholls  officiates  every  third  Sunday  at  Camden. 
Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  officiates  every  third  Sunday  at  Kingsbury. 
Rev.  Elisha  D.  Rattoone,  Professor  of  the  Greek  and  Latin  languages  in 

Columbia  College. 
Rev.  Samuel  Nesbit,  residing  in  New  York. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

Rev.  Uzal  Ogden,  Rector  of  Trinity  church,  Newark. 
Rev.  Samuel  Spraggs,  Rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Elizabethtown. 
Rev.  Henry  Vandyke,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Amboy,  and  Christ 

church,  New  Brunswick. 
Rev.  Henry  Waddell,  Rector  of  Christ  church,  Shrewsbury,  and  Christ 

church,  Middletown. 

Rev.  Levi  Heath,  Rector  of  St.  Mary's  church,  Burlington. 
Rev.  William  Frazer,  Rector  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Trenton,  and  St. 

Andrew's  church,  Amwell. 

Rev.  John  Croes,  Rector  of church,  Swedesburgh. 

Rev.  Samuel  Gray,  Rector  of church,  Salem. 

Rev.  William  Ayres,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Spotswood. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D. 

Rev.  Samuel  Magaw,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Philadelphia. 

Rev.  John  Andrews,  D.D.,  Vice-Provost  of  the  University  of  Pennsyl 
vania. 

Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ  Church  and  SU 
Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Rev.  Joseph  Hutchins,  D.D. 

Rev.  John  Campbell,  Rector  of  the  churches  in  York  and  Huntington. 

Rev.  Joseph  Pilmore,  Assistant  Minister  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Phila 
delphia. 


1792.] 


APPENDIX.  177 


Rev.  Slator  Clay,  Rector  of  St.  David's,  Radnor,  St.  Peter's  in  the  Valley, 

and  St.  James's,  Perkiomen. 

Rev.  Elisha  Rigg,  Rector  of  St.  James's,  Lancaster. 
Rev.  Joseph  Clarkson. 
Rev.  Robert  Ayres,  Rector  of  the  Episcopal  churches  in  Redstone,  and 

the  parts  adjacent. 

Rev.  Francis  Reno,  Deacon  in  Westmoreland  county. 
Rev.  Joseph  H.  Turner,  Deacon  in  the  churches  of  Chester,  Marcus 

Hook,  and  Concord. 
Rev.  Joseph  Doddridge,  Deacon  in  Washington  county. 

DELAWARE. 

Rev.  Robert  Clay,  Emanuel  church,  New  Castle  county. 
Rev.  Sydenham  Thorne,  Christ  church,  Kent  county. 
Rev.  William  Skelly,  Christ  church,  Sussex  county. 

MARYLAND. 

Rev.  Clement  Brooke,  St.  Mary's  county. 

Rev.  John  W.  Compton,  William  and  Mary  parish. 

Rev.  John  Weems,  Port  Tobacco  parish. 

Rev.  Hatch  Dent,  Trinity  parish,  Charles  county. 

Rev.  Joseph  Messenger,  St.  John's  parish. 

Henry  Moscrop,  St.  Anne's  parish,  Prince  George's  county. 

Rev.  Edward  Gault,  Christ  church  parish. 

Rev.  Thomas  J.  Chew,  All  Saints'  parish,  Calvert  county. 

Rev.  Thomas  J.  Claggett,  D.D.,  St.  James's  parish. 

Rev.  Walter  M'Pherson,  All  Hallows  parish. 

Rev.  Ralph  Higinbotham,  St.  Anne's  parish. 

Rev.  Mason  L.  Weems,  St.   Margaret's,  Westmoreland    parish,    Anne 

Arundel  county. 

Rev.  Thomas  Read,  Prince  George's  parish,  Montgomery  county. 
Rer.  George  Bower,  All  Saints  parish. 
Rev.  Townshend  Dade,  Frederick  county. 
Rev.  Joseph  G.  J.  Bend,  St.  Paul's  parish. 
Rev.  William  Duke,  Baltimore  county. 
Rev.  John  Coleman,  St.  John's  parish. 
Rev.  John  Ireland,  Harford  county. 
Rev.  John  Bisset,  St.  Stephen's  parish,  Cecil  county. 
Rev.  Archibald  Walker,  Chester  parish. 
Rev.  Colin  Ferguson,  St.  Paul's  parish,  Kent  county. 
Rev.  Samuel  Keene,  D.D.,  St.  Luke's  parish. 
Rev.  Samuel  Keene,  Jun.,  St.  Paul's  parish. 

Rev.  Owen  F.  Magrath,  Christ  Church  parish,  Queen  Anne's  county. 
Rev.  John  Bowie,  D.D.,  St.  Michael's  parish. 
Rev.  James  Conner,  St.  Peter's  parish,  Talbot  county. 
Rev.  Thomas  Gordon,  St.  Mary's,  White  Chapel  parish,  Carolina  county. 
Rev.  James  Kemp,  Great  Choptank  parish,  Dorchester  county. 
Rev.  George  Dasheill,  Stepney  parish. 
Rev.  Hamilton  Bell,  Somerset  parish. 
Rev.  Samuel  Tingley,  Coventry  parish,  Somerset  county. 
Rev.  John  White,  All  Hallows  parish,  Worcester  county. 
Rev.  Thomas  Scott,  one  of  the  Tutors  of  St.  John's  College. 


178  APPENDIX.  J  17'JJ. 

VIRGINIA. 

Rev.  Isaac  Darneille,  rector  of  Amherst  parish. 
Rev.  Alexander  Hay,  rector  of  Antrim  parish. 
Rev.  Devereux  Jarratt,  rector  of  Bath  parish. 
Rev.  Hugh  Corrans  Boggs,  rector  of  Berkeley  parish. 
Rev.  Price  Davies,  rector  of  Brisland  parish. 
Rev.  John  Cameron,  rector  of  Bristol  parish. 
Rev.  John  Iredall,  rector  of  Broomfield  parish. 
Rev.  Alexander  M'Farland,  rector  of  Brunswick  parish. 
Rev.  John  Bracken,  rector  of  Bruton  parish. 
Rev.  Samuel  Shield,  rector  of  Charles  parish. 
Rev.  Samuel  Klug,  Christ  church  parish. 
Rev.  David  Ball,  Christ  church  parish. 
Rev.  James  Elliott,  rector  of  Cople  parish. 
Rev.  James  Craig,  rector  of  Cumberland  parish. 
Rev.  Needier  Robinson,  rector  of  Dale  parish. 
Rev.  Spence  Grayson,  rector  of  Dettingen  parish. 
Rev.  Jesse  Carter,  rector  of  Drysdale  parish. 
Rev.  Henry  Skyrin,  rector  of  Elizabeth  city  parish. 
Rev.  James  Whitehead,  rector  of  Elizabeth  river  parish. 
Rev.  Brian  Fairfax,  rector  of  Fairfax  parish. 
Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  rector  of  Frederick's  parish. 
Rev.  Matthew  Maury,  rector  of  Fredericksville  parish. 
Rev.  James  Craig,  rector  of  Hamilton's  parish. 
Rev.  John  Buchanan,  rector  of  Henrico  parish. 
Rev.  Samuel  S.  M'Croskey,  rector  of  Hungars  parish. 
Rev.  James  Thompson,  rector  of  Leeds  parish. 
Rev.  Charles  Crawford,  rector  of  Lexington  parish. 
Rev.  Elkanah  Talley,  rector  of  Littleton  parish. 
Rev.  Isaac  Wm.  Gibern,  rector  of  Lunenburg  parish. 
Rev.  Anthony  Walke,  rector  of  Lynhaven  parish. 
Rev.  Wm.  Cameron,  rector  of  Manchester  parish. 
Rev.  John  J.  Spooner,  rector  of  Martins  Brandon  parish. 
Rev.  William  Hubard,  rector  of  Newport  parish. 
Rev.  Henry  J.  Burgess,  Nottoway  parish. 
Rev.  Robert  Buchan,  rector  of  Overwharton  parish. 
Rev.  Arthur  Emerson,  rector  of  Portsmouth  parish. 
Rev.  John  Brunskill,  rector  of  Raleigh  parish. 
Rev.  Alexander  Lundie,  rector  of  St.  Andrew's  parish. 
Rev.  John  Matthews,  St.  Anne's  parish. 
Rev.  James  Morris,  rector  of  St.  Bride's  parish. 
Rev.  Reuben  Clopton,  rector  of  St.  David's  parish. 
Rev.  William  Vere. 

Rev.  John  Woodville,  rector  of  St.  George's  parish. 
Rev.  Charles  Hopkins,  rector  of  St.  James,  Northam  parish. 
Rev.  James  Price,  rector  of  St.  John's  parish. 
Rev.  Joseph  Gurley,  rector  of  St.  Luke's  parish. 
Rev.  Archibald  Dick,  Rector  of  St.  Margaret's  parish. 
Rev.   James  Stevenson,  rector  of  St.  Mark's  parish. 
Rev.  Peter  Nelson,  St.  Martin's  parish. 
Rev.  Abner  Waugh,  rector  of  St.  Mary's  parish. 
Rev.  William  Stewart,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  parish. 
Rev.  Benjamin  Blagrove,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  parish. 


1792.]  APPENDIX.  179 

Rev.  Thomas  Davis,  rector  of  St.  Stephen's  parish. 
Rev.  John  Hyde  Saunders,  rector  of  Southam  parish. 
Rev.  Andrew  Sim,  rector  of  South  Farnham  parish. 
Rev.  Samuel  Butler,  rector  of  Southwark  parish. 
Rev.  James  Taylor,  rector  of  Suffolk  parish. 
Rev.  Lee  Massey,  rector  of  Truro  parish. 
Rev.  James  Henderson,  rector  of  Westover  parish. 
Rev.  James  Maury  Fontaine,  rector  of  Ware  parish. 
Rev.  John  Bryan,  rector  of  Wicomico  parish. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 
Rev.  Dr.  Smith. 
Rev.  Mr.  Frost. 
Rev.  Dr.  Purcell. 
Rev.  Dr.  Gates. 
Rev.  Mr.  Jenkins. 

Rev.  Mr.  Nixon,  Master  of  an  Academy. 
Rev.  Mr.  White,  Charleston. 
Rev.  Mr.  Mills,  St.  Andrews. 
Rev.  Mr.  Ellington,  St.  James's,  Goose  Creek. 
Rev.  Mr.  M'Culley,  St.  Luke's. 
Rev.  Mr.  Tate,  St.  Helen's. 
Rev.  Mr.  Sykes,  Prince  George's. 
Rev.  Mr.  Blackwall. 
Rev.  Mr.  Ireland,  St.  Bartholomew's. 
Rev.  Mr.  Graham,  Edisto. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS 


OP  THR 


BISHOPS    CLERGY,  AND  LAITY 


OF   THE 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA, 


A  CONVENTION 


HELD   IN 


THB  CITY  OF  PHILADELPHIA,  FROM  TUESDAY,  SEPTEMBER 
STH,  TO  FRIDAY,  SEPTEMBER  18-ra,  1795. 

(181) 


LIST  OF  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF 
CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES. 


FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  YORK. 
Rev.  John  Bisset. 
Rev.  George  H.  Spierin. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  JERSEY. 
Rev.  Henry  Waddell. 
Rev.  John  Croes. 
Joshua  M.  Wallace,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 
Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D. 
Rev.  John  Andrews,  D.D. 
Rev.  Samuel  Magaw,  D.D. 
Rev.  Robert  BlackweU,  D.D. 
Joseph  Swift,  Esq. 
Francis  Gurney,  Esq. 
Mr.  J.  B.  Gilpin. 
Mr.  William  Stevenson. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  DELAWARE. 

Rev.  Joseph  Clarkson. 
Rev.  George  Dashiell. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  MARYLAND. 
Rev.  Joseph  G.  J.  Bend. 
Rev.  John  Coleman. 
Rev.  James  Kemp. 
Rev.  Samuel  Keene. 
Samuel  Johnson,  Esq. 
David  Kerr,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  VIRGINIA. 
Rev.  Samuel  S.  M'Croskey,  D.D. 
Robert  Andrews,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  SOUTH  CAROLINA. 
Rev.  Henry  Purcell,  D.D. 

(183) 


JOURNAL 


OP  THE 


of  fytr'ml  anb  Hag 


PHILADELPHIA, 
T      j        |*  TUESDAY,  September  8th,  1795. 

1  \f\^\»  14-H'f'  and  Lay  Deputies  from  the  Churches  in 
several  of  the  States  assembled  in  Christ  Church, 
at  10  o'clock  A.M.  ;    and  not  being  a  sufficient  num 
ber  to  enter  upon  business, 

Adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning* 


WEDNESDAY,  10  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  members  met,  and  a  quorum  being  formed, 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset  read  prayers. 

Resolved, — That  this  house  appoint  a  Secretary,  who  is  not 
a  member.  Whereupon, 

The  Rev.  James  Abercrombie,  second  assistant  minister  of 
Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's,  was  unanimously  chosen. 

The  deputies  then  proceeded  to  the  election  of  a  President, 
when  the  Rev.  Dr.  William  Smith  was  unanimously  chosen. 

Ordered,  that  Mr.  Andrews  inform  the  House  of  Bishops 
that  this  house  is  now  formed,  and  ready  to  proceed  to 
business. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rules  of  Order,  adopted  by  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  of  the  last  General  Con 
vention,  be  the  rules  for  the  government  of  this  house. 

(185) 


186      JOURNAL  OP  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1795. 

Resolved,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  House  of  Bishops, 
that  Mr.  Swift  be  appointed  to  request  of  the  Mayor  the  use 
of  two  apartments  in  the  City  Hall,  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  Convention  during  their  present  session. 

The  House  of  Bishops  having  transmitted  to  this  house  a 
message,  informing  that  Bishop  Provost  is  ready  to  preach 
before  the  Convention,  agreeably  to  the  appointment  of  the 
last  General  Convention,  and  proposing  that  the  delivery  of 
the  Sermon  be  postponed  to  Friday  next,  in  order  that  suffi 
cient  notice  may  be  given. 

Resolved, — That  this  house  agree  to  the  said  proposal,  and 
that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset  inform  the  House  of  Bishops 
thereof. 

Resolved, — That  Mr.  Wallace,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Clarkson,  Mr.  Andrews,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Purcell, 
be  a  Committee  to  examine  the  credentials  of  the  members. 

Mr.  Swift  informed  the  house,  that  the  use  of  two  apart 
ments  in  the  City  Hall  was  granted,  agreeably  to  applica 
tion. 

Resolved,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  House  of  Bishops, 
that  the  hours  of  sitting  be  from  10  to  3  o'clock. 

Adjourned,  to  meet  in  the  City  Hall  to-morow,  at  10 
o'clock,  A.M. 


CITY  HALL,  THURSDAY,  10  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bend  read  prayers. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  examine  the  credentials  of 
the  members,  reported,  that  the  Deputies  from  the  States  of 
New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland, 
Virginia  and  South  Carolina,  had  produced  satisfactory  tes 
timonials  of  their  appointment. 

Resolved, — That  this  house  will  to-morrow  go  into  a  Com 
mittee  of  the  whole  on  the  State  of  the  Church. 

Mr.  Andrews  presented  a  proposed  Canon,  to  alter  Canon 
6  of  the  year  1789,  and  Canon  4  of  the  year  1792,  respect 
ing  the  testimonials  necessary  to  be  produced  by  candidates 
for  Holy  Orders. 

Resolved, — That  the  same  be  referred  to  the  Committee  of 
the  whole  on  the  State  of  the  Church. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White,  of 
the  House  of  Bishops,  enclosing  sundry  testimonials,  re- 


,1795.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      187 

specting  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Peters,  as  Bishop  elect  of  the 
Church  in  the  State  of  Vermont,  which  were  read,  and  or- 
,dered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Mr.  Andrews  presented  a  proposed  Canon  to  alter  Canon 
6  of  the  year  1792,  respecting  the  officiating  of  ministers  in 
the  parish,  or  within  the  parochial  cure  of  another  clergy 
man,  which  was  read  and  referred  to  the  Committee  of  the 
whole  on  the  State  of  the  Church. 

The  House  of  Bishops  transmitted  to  this  house,  by  their 
Secretary,  a  letter  addressed  "  to  the  Bishops,  Clergy,  and 
Laity  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  in  Convention,  Philadelphia,"  accompa 
nied  with  the  following  message : 

"  The  House  of  Bishops  have  read  the  letter  from  Person 
Parish,  in  North  Carolina,  directed  to  the  General  Conven 
tion,  but  not  finding  it  of  such  a  nature  as  they  can  act  upon 
it,  they  propose  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies, 
that  such  answer  be  returned,  signed  by  the  Presidents  of 
both  houses,  as  to  the  Presidents  may  appear  most  proper.'' 

The  letter  was  read,  and  it  was 

Resolved, — That  this  house  agree  to  the  proposal  contained 
in  the  above  message. 

Adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


FRIDAY,  10  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  adjourned  to  attend  divine  service  in 
Christ  Church,  which  was  performed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wad- 
dell,  who  read  prayers,  and  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Provoost, 
who  preached  the  occasional  Sermon.  Immediately  after 
which  the  House  returned  to  the  City  Hall. 

A  proposed  Canon  to  prevent  a  congregation  in  any  dio 
cese  or  State,  from  uniting  with  a  Church  in  any  other  dio 
cese  or  State,  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  and 
after  being  read,  was  referred  to  the  Committee  of  the  whole 
on  the  State  of  the  Church. 

Dr.  Andrews  presented  a  proposed  Canon  to  alter  the  7th 
Canon  of  the  year  1789,  and  the  7th  Canon  of  the  year 
1792,  concerning  the  learning  of  those  who  are  to  be  or 
dained,  which  was  referred  to  the  same  Committee. 

Resolved  unanimously, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house 
be  given  to  the  Right  Rev«  Dr.  Provoost,  for  his  Sermon,  de- 


188      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1795. 

livered  before  the  Convention  this  morning  in  Christ  Church, 
and  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Blackwell  and  Joshua  M.  Wallace, 
Esq.,  be  appointed  to  present  the  thanks  of  this  house,  and 
to  request  a  copy  of  the  Sermon  for  publication. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Purcell  presented  testimonials  from  the  Con 
vention  of  the  State  of  South  Carolina,  relative  to  the 
election  of  the  Rev.  Robert  Smith,  D.D.,  to  the  office  of 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  that  State; 
which  were  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  upon  the  table. 

Resolved, — That  the  order  of  the  day  be  postponed  till  to 
morrow. 

The  attention  of  the  house  was  called  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Andrews  to  the  consideration  of  a  pamphlet  lately  published, 
entitled,  "  Strictures  on  the  Love  of  Power  in  the  Prelacy, 
by  a  Member  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Association  in  the 
State  of  South  Carolina,"  which  he  declared  to  be  a  virulent 
attack  upon  the  doctrines  and  discipline  of  our  Church,  and 
a  libel  against  the  House  of  Bishops,  and  which  was  alleged 
to  be  written  by  a  member  of  this  house. 

Resolved, — That  it  be  the  order  of  the  day  for  Monday 
next,  that  the  house,  in  Committee  of  the  whole,  enter  upon 
the  investigation  of  this  charge. 

Adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


SATURDAY,  10  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Abercrombie  read 
prayers. 

The  members  present  signed  the  testimonial,  in  such  cases 
prescribed  by  the  Canon,  in  favour  of  the  Rev.  Robert  Smith, 
D.D.,  who  had  been  elected  to  the  office  of  Bishop  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  South  Carolina, 
and  transmitted  it  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Purcell  to  the  House  of 
Bishops. 

The  house  resolved  itself  into  a  Committee  of  the  whole, 
to  take  into  consideration  the  general  state  of  the  Church; 
and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Blackwell  was  appointed  chairman. 

After  some  time  the  Committee  rose,  and  the  chairman  re 
ported  that  they  had,  according  to  order,  taken  under  con 
sideration  the  proposed  Canon  to  them  referred,  entitled  a 
Canon  concerning  the  testimonials  of  those  who  are  to  be 
ordained,  to  which  they  have  made  several  amendments ;  also 


1795.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      189 

a  Canon,  to  regulate  the  officiating  of  ministers  in  the  pa 
rishes  or  parochial  cures  of  other  clergymen,  to  which  an 
amendment  had  been  made. 

Resolved, — That  the  repprt  be  taken  up  on  Monday  next. 

The  chairman  further  reported,  that  the  Committee  not 
having  had  time  to  go  through  the  whole  business  referred  to 
them,  had  directed  him  to  ask  for  leave  to  sit  again;  which 
was  granted. 

The  House  of  Bishops  presented,  by  their  Secretary,  the 
two  following  messages,  which  were  read,  and  ordered  to  lie 
on  the  table. 

"Whereas  the  present  Convention,  from  particular  unavoid 
able  circumstances,  (1)  is  deprived  of  many  of  its  members 
who  were  anxious  to  be  present, 

"Resolved, — That  this  house  propose  to  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  to  defer  the  discussion  of  Arti 
cles  until  the  meeting  of  the  next  General  Convention,  when 
a  more  full  representation  of  this  Church  may  be  expected. 

"  The  House  of  Bishops  took  into  consideration  a  resolu 
tion  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  as  in  pre 
ceding  Convention,  which  resolution  was  in  these  words: 
'  Resolved,  that  it  be  made  known  to  the  several  State  Con 
ventions  that  it  is  proposed  to  consider  and  determine,  in 
the  next  General  Convention,  on  the  propriety  of  investing 
the  House  of  Bishops,  with  a  full  negative  upon  the  proceed 
ings  of  the  other  house ; ' 

"  Whereupon,  resolved,  that  the  following  message  be  sent 
to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  viz., 

"  The  House  of  Bishops  have  not,  in  any  former  Conven 
tion,  expressed  their  sense  upon  the  aforesaid  subject;  but 
they  now  propose  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu 
ties,  that  the  legislative  power  of  the  House  of  Bishops  shall 
remain  as  fixed  by  the  third  article  of  the  Constitution  of 
this  Church." 

The  House  of  Bishops  also  informed  this  house,  that  they 
had  examined  and  approved  the  testimonials  in  favour  of  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Robert  Smith,  Bishop  elect  of  the  Church  in  South 
Carolina,  and  that  they  had  appointed  to-morrow  morning 
as  the  time  for  his  consecration  at  Christ  Church. 

Adjourned  to  10  o'clock  on  Monday  morning. 

(1)  The  intercourse  between  New  York  and  Philadelphia  had  been  sus 
pended  by  public  authority  some  time  before  the  meeting  of  the  Con 
vention. 


190  JOURNAL   OF  THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.         [1795. 

MONDAY,  10  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Clarkson  read  prayers. 

Dr.  Andrews  presented  a  proposed  Canon  to  alter  Canon 
3d  of  the  year  1789,  respecting  Episcopal  visitation,  which 
was  read,  and  ordered  to  be  referred  to  the  Committee  of 
the  whole  on  the  State  of  the  Church. 

Mr.  Bisset  presented  a  proposed  Canon  to  alter  the  4th 
Canon  of  the  year  1789 ;  which  was  read,  and  ordered  to  be 
referred  to  the  same  Committee. 

The  house  took  up  the  proposed  Canon  concerning  the  tes 
timonials  of  those  who  are  to  be  ordained;  which  was  read 
and  passed. 

The  proposed  Canon,  to  regulate  the  officiating  of  minis 
ters  in  the  parish  or  parochial  cure  of  another  clergyman, 
was  taken  up,  and  the  question  on  the  proposed  amendment 
was  taken  by  States,  and  lost ;  whereupon  an  addition  to  the 
Canon  was  moved  by  Mr.  Bisset,  read,  and  ordered  to  be 
postponed. 

A  proposed  Canon,  for  the  better  accomplishing  of  the 
objects  of  the  6th  Canon  of  the  year  1792,  respecting  the 
preaching  of  Clergymen  in  different  parishes,  was  received 
from  the  House  of  Bishops,  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the 
table. 

The  house  then  resolved  itself  into  a  Committee  of  the 
whole,  on  the  order  of  the  day,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Blackwell  in 
the  chair;  and  after  some  time  the  Committee  rose,  and  the 
chairman  reported  the  following  resolution. 

Resolved, — That  the  pamphlet  entitled  "  Strictures  on  the 
Love  of  Power  in  the  Prelacy,  by  a  Member  of  the  Protest 
ant  Episcopal  Association  in  the  State  of  South  Carolina," 
contains  very  offensive  and  censurable  matter. 

This  resolution  was  adopted  by  the  house. 

The  Committee  then  asked  leave  to  sit  again,  which  was 
granted. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Spierin  obtained  leave  of  absence. 

Adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


TUESDAY,  10  o'clock  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Madison  read 
prayers. 

The  proposed   Canon   respecting  the  testimonials   to  be 


1795.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      191 

produced  on  the  part  of  those  who  are  to  be  ordained,  was 
sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset. 

Dr.  Magaw  presented  a  proposed  Canon  on  the  prepara 
tory  exercises  of  a  candidate  for  the  ministry;  which  was 
read,  amended,  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  House  of  Bishops  returned  the  Canons  on  the  testi 
monials  to  be  produced  on  the  part  of  those  who  are  to  be 
ordained,  with  an  amendment ;  which  was  agreed  to,  and  re 
turned  by  Mr.  Wallace,  with  an  additional  amendment,  which 
was  concurred  in  by  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  proposed  Canon  respecting  the  officiating  of  Clergy 
men  within  the  parish  or  parochial  cure  of  another  Clergy 
man,  was  passed,  and  transmitted  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset  to 
the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Croes  presented  a  proposed  Canon,  empow 
ering  the  Bishop  in  each  diocese,  to  compose  a  form  of 
prayer  or  thanksgiving  for  extraordinary  occasions,  which 
was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Canon,  proposed  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  for  the 
better  accomplishing  of  the  objects  of  the  6th  Canon  of  the 
year  1792,  was  returned  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  with  an 
amendment,  which  was  agreed  to. 

The  proposed  Canon  respecting  the  preparatory  exercises 
of  candidates  for  Holy  Orders,  was  agreed  to,  and  sent  to 
the  House  of-  Bishops  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset. 

The  house  resolved  itself  into  a  Committee  of  the  whole, 
on  the  State  of  the  Church,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Blackwell  in  the 
chair. 

The  Committee  rose,  and  the  chairman  reported 

A  Canon  of  Episcopal  visitation,  a  Canon  of  the  learning 
of  candidates  for  Holy  Orders,  and  a  Canon  of  the  age  of 
those  who  are  to  be  ordained  or  consecrated. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Keene,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kemp,  and  Mr.  Kerr, 
obtained  leave  of  absence. 

Adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


WEDNESDAY,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Waddell  read  prayers. 

The  proposed  Canon  respecting  Episcopal  visitation  was 
read,  passed,  and  sent  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Clarkson  to  the 
House  of  Bishops. 


192     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1795. 

The  proposed  Canon,  respecting  the  learning  of  candidates 
for  Holy  Orders,  was  read,  passed,  and  sent  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Bisset  to  the  House  of  Bishops ;  also  the  proposed  Canon  re 
specting  the  age  of  those  who  are  to  be  ordained. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset  presented  additional  documents  re 
specting  the  formation  of  a  congregation  in  Person  parish, 
in  the  State  of  North  Carolina ;  which,  after  being  read,  were 
referred  to  the  Presidents  of  both  houses: 

The  house  then  resolved  itself  into  a  Committee  of  the 
whole,  with  a  view  to  determine  who  was  the  author  of  the 
pamphlet  entitled  "  Strictures  on  the  Love  of  Power  in  the 
Prelacy,  by  a  member  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Associa 
tion  in  the  State  of  South  Carolina." 

While  they  were  engaged  in  this  business,  a  message  came 
from  the  House  of  Bishops,  which  the  Committee  rose  to  re 
ceive,  and  which  is  in  the  following  words: 

"  The  House  of  Bishops  propose  a  conference  with  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  upon  a  matter  which 
they  are  anxious  to  lay  before  the  house." 

The  house  agreed  to  the  conference,  which  was  immedi 
ately  gone  into,  the  President  of  the  House  of  Bishops  in 
the  chair. 

After  some  time  the  conference  ended,  and  the  President 
took  the  chair. 

A  paper  was  laid  before  the  house,  concerning  the  pamph 
let  entitled  "  Strictures  on  the  Love  of  Power  in  the  Pre 
lacy,"  which  it  was  resolved  should  be  referred  to  a  Commit 
tee  of  the  whole  to-morrow. 

The  House  of  Bishops  returned  the  Canon  respecting  the 
learning  of  those  who  are  to  be  ordained,  with  an  amend 
ment,  which  being  read,  was  negatived. 

An  amendment  was  also  proposed  by  the  House  of  Bishops 
to  the  Canon  respecting  Episcopal  visitation,  which  was  read 
and  concurred  in. 

The  Bishops  returned  the  Canon  respecting  the  age  of 
those  who  are  to  be  ordained  or  consecrated,  with  their  con 
currence. 

The  House  of  Bishops  requested  a  conference  on  the  Ca 
non,  Of  the  learning  of  those  who  are  to  be  ordained. 

Ordered,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bend  inform  the  House  of 
Bishops,  that  this  house  agrees  to  the  conference  on  the  pro 
posed  Canon  respecting  the  learning  of  those  who  are  to  be  or 
dained. 


1795.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      193 

The  conference  accordingly  took  place; 

The  proposed  Canon,  respecting  the  empowering  of  the 
Bishop  of  each  State,  to  compose  a  form  of  prayer  or  thanks 
giving  for  extraordinary  occasions,  was  read,  agreed  to,  and 
sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops  by  the  Secretary. 

The  House  of  Bishops  returned  the  said  Canon,  with  their 
concurrence. 

Resolved  unanimously, — That  the  thanks  of  this  House 
be  presented  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  for  his  Sermon  delivered 
at  the  consecration  of  the  Right  Reverend  Dr.  Robert  Smith, 
and  that  he  be  desired  to  furnish  a  copy  of  the  same  to  be 
printed. 

The  Canon  respecting  the  preparatory  exercises  of  a  can 
didate  for  the  ministry,  was  returned  by  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  with  amendments,  which  were  adopted. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


THURSDAY,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Croes  read  prayers. 

Dr.  Andrews  proposed  an  amendment  of  an  amendment 
proposed  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  on  the  proposed  Canon 
respecting  the  learning  of  those  who  are  to  be  ordained ;  and 
the  question  being  taken  by  States,  was  agreed  to,  and  sent 
to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  House  of  Bishops  returned  the  said  Canon  with  their 
concurrence. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw, 

Resolved, — That  a  Committee  be  appointed,  consisting  of 
four  members,  who  (in  concurrence  with  a  Committee  of  the 
House  of  Bishops,  if  they  shall  appoint  such  Committee,  and 
independently  of  what  relates  to  the  printing  of  the  Mi 
nutes)  shall  arrange  the  Canons  and  principal  papers  belong 
ing  to  the  Convention,  causing  them  to  be  fairly  transcribed 
in  a  proper  bound  book,  in  order  that  they  may  be  faithfully 
preserved  for  the  perpetual  use  of  the  Houses  of  the  Gene 
ral  Convention  of  this  Church,  to  recur  to,  as  occasion  may 
require;  and  the  said  Committee  may,  if  they  think  proper, 
employ  a  clerk,  or  transcriber,  to  be  paid  out  of  such  monies 
as  may  be  provided  for  defraying  the  necessary  incidental 
expenses  of  Convention.  Whereupon, 

Resolved, — That  the  President  of  this  house,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
VOL.  I.— 13 


194  JOURNAL   OF  THE   GENERAL  CONVENTION.          [1795. 

Andrews,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Blackwell, 
be  the  members  of  the  above  Committee,  and  that  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Bisset,  the  Secretary  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  in  the  last  General  Convention,  be  requested  to 
collect  and  deliver  to  the  said  Committee,  all  the  documents 
belonging  to  the  Convention  which  may  be  in  his  hands,  and 
to  assist  the  Committee  in  the  execution  of  their  duties  as  far 
as  may  be  in  his  power. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
forming  this  house  that  they  had  concurred  in  the  above  re 
solve,  aad  appointed  Bishop  White  on  their  part. 

The  house  resolved  itself  into  a  Committee  of  the  whole, 
on  the  paper  referred  to  them  yesterday,  and  on  other  busi 
ness  referred  to  them. 

The  Committee  rose,  and  their  chairman  reported  that  they 
tad  considered  the  paper  referred  to  them  yesterday,  which 
>?as  from  the  author  of  the  pamphlet  entitled  "  Strictures  on 
the  Love  of  Power  in  the  Prelacy,"  in  which  he  professes  his 
sorrow  for  the  publication,  and  that  they  were  of  opinion  the 
house  should  accept  it  as  a  satisfactory  concession. 

Resolved, — Thai  the  house  adopt  the  above  report. 

The  Committee  also  reported  certain  Canons  and  resolu 
tions,  without  amendment. 

Ordered,  that  the  paper  referred  to  in  this  report  be  carried 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  following  message  was  received  from  the  House  of 
Bishops : 

"  The  Bishops  request  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties  to  appoint  a  Committee,  to  confer  with  a  Committee 
of  their  house  on  a  subject  which  has  been  already  before 
them." 

A  Committee  of  five  was  accordingly  appointed,  viz.,  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Andrews,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bend,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wad- 
dell,  Colonel  Gurney,  and  Mr.  Johnson;  who,  at  the  request 
of  the  House  of  Bishops,  repaired  to  their  chamber,  and  on 
their  return  made  a  report,  referring  to  some  alterations  which 
may  be  proper  in  the  Minutes,  in  consequence  of  the  conces 
sion  made  by  the  author  of  the  pamphlet  entitled  "  Stric 
tures  on  the  Love  of  Power  in  the  Prelacy,"  which  was 
agreed  to. 

Adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


1795.]    JOURNAL  Of  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      195 

FRIDAY,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Purcell  read  prayers. 

The  Canon,  entitled  "  a  Canon  to  prevent  a  congregation 
in  any  diocese  or  State  to  unite  with  the  Church  in  any  other 
diocese  or  State,"  which  was  proposed  by  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  was  read,  amended,  and  being  sent  to  the  House  of 
Bishops,  was  returned  with  their  concurrence. 

Resolved, — That  the  testimonials  from  the  State  of  Ver 
mont,  respecting  the  consecration  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel 
Peters,  sent  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  be  returned  to  them, 
with  a  request,  that  they  will  answer  it  in  whatever  manner 
they  shall  think  best. 

The  message  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  respecting  the 
Articles  of  Religion,  was  read  and  concurred  in. 

The  following  resolve  was  sent  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Andrews  to 
the  House  of  Bishops,  and  returned  with  their  concurrence : 

Resolved,  —  That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  the 
Churches  in  the  several  States,  not  to  fail  to  send  deputies  to 
the  next  General  Convention,  as  it  appears  inexpedient  that 
the  consideration  of  the  Articles  of  Religion  should  be  post 
poned  beyond  the  period  of  that  meeting. 

The  Secretary  of  the  Committee  for  carrying  into  effect 
the  act  for  supporting  Missionaries  to  preach  the  Gospel  on 
the  frontiers  of  the  United  States,  reported  to  this  house  the 
progress  made  by  said  Committee  in  the  execution  of  the  bu 
siness  entrusted  to  them.  Whereupon, 

Resolved, — That  it  be  recommended  to  the  different  State 
Conventions,  to  continue,  either  by  an  annual  Sermon,  or  by 
soliciting  private  contributions,  to  provide  for  the  establish 
ment  of  Missionaries  to  preach  the  Gospel  on  the  frontiers 
of  the  United  States ;  and  that,  instead  of  committing  the 
general  management  of  the  fund,  as  by  the  act  of  the  last 
General  Convention,  to  a  Standing  Committee  of  any  State, 
the  Convention  of  each  State  shall  appoint  such  Committee 
to  have  the  management  of  the  money  contributed  in  that 
State,  and  the  application  of  the  same  to  the  support  of  a 
Missionary  or  Missionaries  in  such  part  of  the  United  States 
as  they  may  think  proper;  and  the  money  heretofore  col 
lected  in  any  State,  and  remitted  to  the  treasurer  of  the  for 
mer  Standing  Committee,  shall  be  returned  to  such  State 
Committees  when  they  are  appointed,  and  shall  call  for  the 
same. 


196  JOURNAL   OF  THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.         [1795. 

The  act  passed  on  this  subject  in  the  year  1792  is  hereby 
rescinded. 

Resolved, — That  a  Committee  of  both  houses  be  appointed 
to  digest  and  report  to  the  next  General  Convention  a  Course 
of  Study  for  Candidates  for  Holy  Orders,  and  that  the  fol 
lowing  gentlemen  be  appointed  by  this  house:  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Moore,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Andrews,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw,  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Smith,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bend. 

Resolved,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  House  of  Bishops, 
that  it  be  made  known  to  the  several  State  Conventions,  that 
it  is  proposed  to  consider  and  determine  in  the  next  General 
Convention,  on  the  following  addition  to  the  second  article 
of  the  Constitution,  in  the  9th  line,  after  the  word  "  Con 
vention,"  viz.: 

"  But  if  the  Church  shall  not  be  represented  in  both  Or 
ders  in  a  majority  of  the  States,  then  the  vote  shall  be  given 
by  States  without  regard  to  Orders." 

Resolved  unanimously,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  House 
of  Bishops,  that  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  be  given  to 
Matthew  Clarkson,  Esq.,  Mayor  of  the  city,  for  the  use  of 
the  City  Hall,  and  that  Colonel  Gurney  and  Joseph  Swift, 
Esq.,  be  a  Committee  to  communicate  the  same. 

Resolved,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  House  of  Bishops, 
that  eight  hundred  copies  of  the  Journals  be  printed. 

The  house  proceeded  to  appoint  a  Standing  Committee^1) 
and  the  following  gentlemen  were  chosen : 

For  New  Hampshire,  the  Hon.  Mr.  Livermore. 

For  Massachusetts,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker. 

For  Rhode  Island,  the  Rev.  William  Smith. 

For  Connecticut,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Baldwin. 

For  New  York,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Beach, 
Robert  Watts,  Esq. 

For  New  Jersey,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Waddell,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Croes,  Joshua  M.  Wallace,  Esq. 

For  Pennsylvania,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Magaw,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Blackwell,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Andrews,  Colonel  Gurney,  Joseph 
Swift,  Esq.,  Mr.  J.  B.  Gilpin. 

For  Delaware,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Clarkson,  the  Rev.  Mn. 
Clay,  Nicholas  Ridgley,  Esq. 

(1)  For  the  powers  and  duties  of  the  Standing  Committee,  see  page  19 
of  the  Journal  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  in  Convention, 
Sept.  1789.  [Vide  P.  113  of  this  Eeprint.] 


1795.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      1.97 

For  Maryland,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bend,  Samuel  Johnson,  Esq., 
General  Lloyd. 

For  Virginia,  the  Rev.  Dr.  M'Croskey,  Robert  Andrews, 
Esq. 

For  South  Carolina,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Frost,  Rev.  Dr.  Pur- 
cell,  the  Hon.  William  Smith. 

Ordered,  that  the  President  of  this  house  is  chairman  of 
the  above  Committee,  and  is  empowered  to  call  together  the 
members. 

Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be  given  to  the 
President  for  his  able  and  impartial  management  in  his  place, 
and  to  the  Secretary  for  his  correct  attention  and  services. 

Resolved, — That  the  next  meeting  of  the  General  Con 
vention  be  held  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

The  house  rose. 

WILLIAM  SMITH,  PRESIDENT. 

JAMES  ABBRCROMBIE,  Secretary. 


JOURNAL 


of 


PHILADELPHIA, 
•f  «  SEPTEMBER  8th,  1795. 

1 11 1  ^   being  the  day  of  the  meeting  of  the   General 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 
the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White  attended  in  Christ 
Church. 


.IN  THE  VESTRY  ROOM  OF  CHRIST  CHURCH, 
WEDNESDAY,  September  9, 

The  house  met.     Present : 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White  of  the  State  of  Pennsylva 
nia,  who,  by  the  rules  of  the  house  made  at  the  last  meeting, 
presided ;  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Provoost,  of  the  State  of 
New  York ;  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Madison,  of  the  State  of 
Virginia. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Turner  was  chosen  Secretary. 

The  house  received  a  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  informing  them  that  their  house  was 
formed  and  ready  to  proceed  to  business, 

The  house  received  another  message,  informing  them  that 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  propose  to  this 
house  the  adjourning  to  the  City  Hall. 

(199) 


200     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.*   [1795. 

The  proposal  for  removing  is  agreed  to. 

This  house  sent  a  message  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  informing  them  that  Bishop  Provoost  is  ready 
to  preach  before  the  Convention,  agreeably  to  the  appoint 
ment  of  the  last  Convention,  and  proposing  Friday  next  as 
the  time  for  the  delivery  of  the  Sermon. 

Information  was  received  that  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  concurred. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  proposing  that  the  hours  of  sitting  of  the 
Convention,  shall  be  from  10  in  the  morning  to  3  in  the  af 
ternoon,  with  which  this  house  concurred. 

Resolved, — »That  during  the  session  of  the  Convention,  the 
house  will  attend  divine  service  in  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies. 

Adjourned  to  meet  to-morrow  morning  in  the  City  Hall. 


CITY  HALL,  THURSDAY,  SEPTEMBER  10. 

The  house  met.     Present: 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White,  President;  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Provoost;  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Madison;  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Claggett. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset  presented  to  this  house,  from  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  an  application  from  the 
Vestry  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Person  county, 
North  Carolina. 

This  house  resolved,  that  it  be  proposed  to  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  that  as  the  said  letter  cannot  be 
acted  on  by  the  Convention,  the  Presidents  of  the  two 
houses  be  desired  to  send  such  an  answer  to  the  same,  as  in 
their  judgments  shall  be  proper. 

Adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


FRIDAY  MORNING,  10  o'clock. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 

This  house  proceeded  with  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  to  Christ  Church,  where  the  Rev.  Mr.  Waddell 
read  prayers ;  after  which  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Provoost 


1795.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     201 

delivered  a  Sermon,  suited  to  the  occasion  of  the  present 
meeting,  as  appointed  at  the  last  Convention. 

After  divine  service,  this  house  returned  to  the  City  Hall, 
and  entered  upon  business. 

Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be  given  to  the 
Right  Rev.  Bishop  Provoost  for  his  Sermon  delivered  this 
morning,  and  that  he  be  desired  to  furnish  a  copy  of  it  for 
the  press. 

This  house  originated  a  Canon,  and  sent  it  to  the  house  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  restricting  any  individual  congre 
gation  from  associating  with  the  Church  of  any  other  dio 
cese  or  State,  than  that  in  which  they  are  situated. 

The  house  then  adjourned. 


SATURDAY  MORNING,  10  o'clock. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  the  testimonials  of  the  Rev.  Robert  Smith,  D.D., 
Bishop  elect  of  this  Church  in  the  State  of  South  Carolina. 

A  message  was  sent  from  this  house  to  the  House  of  Cle 
rical  and  Lay  Deputies,  informing  them  that  they  had  ex 
amined  and  approved  the  testimonials  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith, 
of  South  Carolina,  and  that  the  consecration  will  take  place 
to-morrow  morning,  in  Christ  Church. 

The  following  message  was  sent  from  this  house  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies : 

Whereas  the  present  Convention,  from  particular  unavoid 
able  circumstances  is  deprived  of  many  of  its  members, 

Resolved, — That  this  house  propose  to  the  House  of  Cle 
rical  and  Lay  Deputies,  to  defer  the  discussion  of  the  Arti 
cles  until  the  meeting  of  the  next  General  Convention,  when 
a  more  full  representation  of  this  Church  may  be  expected. 

The  following  message  was  also  sent  to  the  House  of  Cle 
rical  and  Lay  Deputies,  viz. : 

This  house  took  into  consideration  a  resolution  of  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  in  a  preceding  Con 
vention,  which  resolution  is  in  these  words — 

"  Resolved, — That  it  be  made  known  to  the  several  State 
Conventions,  that  it  is  proposed  to  consider  and  determine,  in 
the  next  General  Convention,  on  the  propriety  of  investing 
the  House  of  Bishops  with  a  full  negative  upon  the  proceed 
ings  of  the  other  house." 


202  JOURNAL   OF  THE   GENERAL  CONVENTION.        [1795. 

Thereupon  resolved, — That  the  following  message  be  sent 
to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  viz.,  The  House 
of  Bishops  have  not  expressed  their  sense  in  any  former 
Convention  upon  the  subject  aforesaid;  but  they  now  propose 
to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  that  the  legisla 
tive  power  of  the  House  of  Bishops  shall  remain  as  fixed  by 
the  third  article  of  the  Constitution  of  this  Church. 

The  house  then  adiourned  to  Monday,  10  o'clock. 


MONDAY  MORNING,  Sept.  14. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  on  Saturday. 

The  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  who  had  been  yesterday  con 
secrated  Bishop  of  this  Church  in  South  Carolina,  took  his 
seat  in  this  house. 

A  proposed  Canon  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  intended  to  accomplish  more  fully  the  object 
of  the  Sixth  Canon,  passed  in  Convention  in  1792. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Claggett  obtained  leave  of  absence. 

The  house  then  adjourned. 


TUESDAY  MORNING. 

The  house  met.  Present  as  yesterday,  except  Bishop 
Claggett. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  a  proposed  Canon  respecting  the  testimonials  of 
those  who  are  to  be  ordained. 

This  house  returned  the  above  proposed  Canon  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  with  an  amendment. 

The  same  Canon  was  again  presented  to  this  house  with  an 
amendment  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies, 
with  which  this  house  concurred. 

This  house  received  a  proposed  Canon  from  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  on  the  preparatory  exercises  of 
the  candidates  for  the  ministry. 

This  house  returned  the  same  with  amendments. 

The  proposed  Canon,  that  originated  in  this  house,  for  the 
more  full  accomplishing  of  the  object  of  the  sixth  Canon  of 
1792,  which  had  been  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  was  returned  to  this  house  with  an  amendment. 

The  proposed  Canon  respecting  preparatory  exercises  of 


1795.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      203 

candidates  for  the  ministry,  was  returned  to  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  with  an  amendment. 
The  house  then  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING,  9  o'clock. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 

A  message  was  sent  from  this  house  to  the  House  of  Cle 
rical  and  Lay  Deputies,  desiring  a  conference  with  their 
house  upon  a  matter  which  they  are  desirous  to  lay  before  them. 

The  conference  was  agreed  to,  and  the  House  of  Bishops 
met  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  in  the  chamber 
of  the  latter;  when  the  President,  by  desire,  took  the  chair. 

The  conference  being  ended,  this  house  returned  to  their 
chamber. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  their  concurrence  with  the  amendment  to  the  pro 
posed  Canon,  respecting  exercises  to  be  required  of  persons 
who  are  to  be  ordained. 

Resolved, — That  the  said  Canon  now  pass,  and  be  return 
ed  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  a  proposed  Canon  concerning  the  learning  of  those 
who  are  to  be  ordained. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  a  proposed  Canon  to  alter  the  third  Canon  of 
1789,  on  Episcopal  visitation. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  a  proposed  Canon  to  alter  the  Canon  concerning 
the  age  of  persons  to  be  ordained. 

This  house  returned  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties  their  proposed  Canon  concerning  the  learning  of  per 
sons  to  be  ordained,  with  an  amendment,  and  also  the  pro 
posed  Canon  to  alter  the  third  Canon  of  1789,  with  an 
amendment. 

This  house  passed  the  proposed  Canon  to  alter  the  Canon 
respecting  the  age  of  persons  to  be  ordained. 

The  house  passed  the  Canon  to  alter  the  6th  Canon  of 
1792,  Of  officiating  in  the  parishes  or  parochial  cures  of 
other  ministers. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  signified  their 
non-concurrence  with  the  amendment  of  the  proposed  Canon 
concerning  the  learning  of  persons  to  be  ordained. 


204      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1795. 

Resolved, — That  a  conference  be  requested  on  the  said 
proposed  Canon,  at  such  hour  as  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  may  appoint. 

This  house  received  a  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  informing  that  they  agreed  to  the  con 
ference. 

The  two  houses  then  went  into  conference,  and  after  some 
time  spent  therein,  this  house  returned  to  their  chamber. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  a  proposed  Canon,  authorising  the  Bishop  of  any 
diocese  to  appoint  forms  of  prayer  or  thanksgiving  for  ex 
traordinary  occasions ;  which  was  passed  and  returned. 

Resolved  unanimously, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be 
presented  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  William  Smith,  for  his  Sermon, 
delivered  in  Christ  Church  at  the  consecration  of  the  Right 
Rev.  Dr.  Robert  Smith,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  furnish 
a  copy  of  the  same,  to  be  printed. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Madison  obtained  leave  of  absence. 

The  house  then  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


THURSDAY  MORNING,  9  o'clock. 

This  house  met.  Present  as  yesterday,  except  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Madison. 

This  house  returned  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties,  the  proposed  Canon  of  the  learning  of  persons  to  be 
ordained,  with  an  amendment. 

The  above  proposed  Canon  was  returned  to  the  house  with 
an  amendment,  with  which  this  house  concurred. 

This  house  received  a  resolution  from  the  House  of  Cleri 
cal  and  Lay  Deputies,  for  the  appointment  of  a  Committee 
for  the  arrangement  of  the  Canons  and  other  papers  belong 
ing  to  this  Convention,  desiring  the  concurrence  of  this 
house. 

This  house  concurred  in  the  same. 

This  house  requested  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties  to  appoint  a  Committee  of  their  house  to  meet  a  Com 
mittee  of  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  Committee  of  this  house  is  Bishop  White  and  Bishop 
Provoost. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  agreed  to  the  re 
quest  of  this  house,  and  the  joint  Committee  met  in  the 
Bishops'  chamber. 


1795.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      205 

This  being  done,  this  house  returned  to  their  chamber. 

A  message  came  to  this  house  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  that  they  had  agreed  to  the  report  of  the 
joint  Committee  with  a  small  amendment,  which  was  agreed 
to. 

Bishop  Provoost  obtained  leave  of  absence. 

The  house  then  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


FRIDAY  MORNING,  9  o'clock. 

The  house  met.  Present,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White 
and  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Smith. 

There  was  returned  to  this  house  the  proposed  Canon  from 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  to  prevent  any 
Church  from  uniting  themselves  to  any  other  diocese  than  to 
that  in  the  State  in  which  they  belong,  with  an  amendment 
to  the  said  Canon ;  which  amendment  was  agreed  to,  and  the 
Canon  passed. 

The  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  papers  respecting  the  election  of  Dr.  Peters  to  be 
Bishop  in  the  State  of  Vermont. 

The  President  of  this  house  is  desired  to  give  such  an  an 
swer  as  the  nature  of  the  case  requires,  and  particularly  to 
mention,  in  the  said  answer,  that  the  Bishops  cannot  with 
propriety  consecrate  a  Bishop  for  the  Church  in  any  State, 
until  such  Church  shall  have  acceded  to  the  general  Ecclesi 
astical  Constitution  of  the  Church  in  the  United  States. 

This  house  received  a  resolution  from  the  House  of  Cleri 
cal  and  Lay  Deputies,  proposing  that  the  monies  collected 
for  the  purpose  of  sending  Missionaries  to  the  frontiers,  be 
returned  to  the  churches  in  the  States  in  which  they  were  re 
spectively  collected;  and  proposing  that  the  object  of  the 
institution  be  pursued  by  the  churches  in  the  individual 
States ;  with  which  this  house  agreed. 

This  house  received  a  proposed  constitutional  alteration  of 
the  manner  of  voting  in  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties  ;  in  which  this  house  concurred. 

This  house  received  a  resolution  from  the  House  of  Cle 
rical  and  Lay  Deputies,  to  appoyit  a  Committee  that  may 
digest  and  report  to  the  next  Convention,  a  course  of  studies 
for  candidates  for  Holy  Orders,  in  which  this  house  concur 
red,  and  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White,  Bishop  Provoost  and 


206      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1795. 

Bishop  Madison  are  the  Committee  from  this  house  for  the 
above  purpose. 

The  House  of  Bishops  concurred  with  the  House  of  Cleri 
cal  and  Lay  Deputies  in  thanks  to  the  Mayor  of  the  city  for 
the  use  of  the  Hall. 

The  house  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  inform  this  house, 
that  800  copies  of  the  Journals  of  this  Convention  are  pro 
posed  to  be  printed;  which  was  agreed  to. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  sent  a  message  to 
this  house,  expressing  their  intention  of  rising;  and  that 
they  had  appointed  Philadelphia  for  the  place  of  meeting  of 
the  next  General  Convention. 

The  thanks  of  the  House  of  Bishops  were  given  to  the 
Rev.  Joseph  Turner,  for  his  services  as  Secretary. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  house, 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  PRESIDING  BISHOP. 
ATTEST:  JOSEPH  TURNER,  Secretary. 


THE  CERTIFICATE  OF  THE  CONSECRATION  OF 
THE  RIGHT  REV.  BISHOP  SMITH  IS  AS  FOL 
LOWS. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we,  William  White,  D.D., 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Pennsyl 
vania,  Presiding  Bishop ;  Samuel  Provoost,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protest 
ant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  New  York;  James  Madison,  D.D., 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Virginia ;  and 
Thomas  John  Claggett,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  State  of  Maryland,  under  the  protection  of  Almighty  God,  in 
Christ  Church,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  on  Sunday,  the  thirteenth  day 
of  September,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  One  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
ninety-five,  did  then  and  there  rightly  and  canonically  consecrate  our  be 
loved  in  Christ,  Robert  Smith,  D.D.,  Provost  of  Charleston  College,  and 
Rector  of  St.  Philip's  Church,  Charleston,  in  the  State  of  South  Carolina, 
of  whose  sufficiency  in  good  learning,  soundness  in  the  faith,  and  purity  of 
manners,  we  were  fully  ascertained,  into  the  office  of  Bishop  of  the  Protest 
ant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  said  State,  to  which  the  said  Robert  Smith 
hath  been  elected  by  the  Convention  of  the  said  State. 

In  testimony  whereof  we  have  signed  our  names  and  caused  our  seals 
to  be  affixed. 

Given  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia  this  fourteenth  day  of  September,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  One  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety-five. 


WILLIAM  WHITE. 
SAMUEL  PROVOOST. 
JAMES  MADISON. 
THOMAS  JOHN  CLAGGETT. 


L.  S. 
L.  S. 
L.  8. 
L.  S. 


APPENDIX. 


(Janons. 

CANON  I. — Of  Episcopal  Visitation. 

Every  bishop  in  this  Church  shall  visit  the  churches  within  his  diocese 
or  district,  for  the  purposes  of  examining  the  state  of  his  Church,  inspect 
ing  the  behaviour  of  the  Clergy,  and  administering  the  apostolic  rite  of 
Confirmation.  And  it  is  deemed  proper  that  such  visitations  be  made 
once  in  three  years  at  least,  by  every  bishop  to  every  church  within  his 
diocese  or  district,  which  shall  make  provision  for  defraying  the  necessary 
expenses  of  the  bishop  at  such  visitation.  And  it  is  hereby  declared  to 
be  the  duty  of  the  minister  and  vestry  of  every  church  or  congregation, 
to  make  such  provision  accordingly. 

The  bishop  of  any  diocese  or  State  district  may,  on  the  invitation  of 
4he  Convention  or  Standing  Committee  of  the  church  in  any  State  where 
there  is  not  a  bishop,  visit  and  perform  the  episcopal  offices  in  that  State, 
or  part  of  the  State,  as  the  case  may  be,  provision  being  made  for  defraying 
his  expenses  as  aforesaid :  and  such  State,  or  part  of  a  State,  shall  be 
considered  as  annexed  to  the  district  or  diocese  of  such  bishop,  until  a 
bishop  is  duly  elected  and  consecrated  for  such  State,  or  until  the  invita 
tion  given  by  the  Convention  or  Standing  Committee  be  revoked.  But  it 
is  to  be  understood,  that  to  enable  the  Bishop  to  make  the  aforesaid  visi 
tations,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  clergy,  in  such  reasonable  rotation  as 
may  be  devised,  to  officiate  for  him  in  any  parochial  duties  which  belong 
to  him.  And  no  State  shall  proceed  to  the  election  or  appointment  of  a 
bishop,  unless  there  be  at  least  six  presbyters  residing  and  officiating 
therein,  a  majority  of  whom,  at  least,  shall  concur  in  such  election.  But 
the  Conventions  of  two  or  more  States,  having  together  nine  or  more  set 
tled  and  officiating  presbyters,  may  associate,  and  join  in  the  election  of  a 
bishop. 

The  Third  Canon  of  the  year  1Y89  is  hereby  rescinded. 

CANON  II. — Of  the  Testimonials  to  be  produced  on  the  part 
of  those  who  are  to  be  Ordained. 

Every  candidate  for  Holy  Orders  shall  be  recommended  to  the  Bishop 
by  a  Standing  Committee  appointed  by  the  Convention  of  the  church  in 

(20T) 


208  APPENDIX.  [1795. 

that  State  wherein  he  resides,  which  recommendation  shall  be  signed  by 
the  names  of  a  majority  of  the  Committee,  and  shall  be  in  the  following 
words : 

We,  whose  names  are  hereunder  written,  testify  that  A.  B.  hath  laid 
before  us  satisfactory  testimonials,  that  for  the  space  of  three  years  last 
past,  he  hath  lived  piously,  soberly,  and  honestly :  and  hath  not  written, 
taught,  or  held,  any  thing  contrary  to  the  doctrine  or  discipline  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church.  And,  moreover,  we  think  him  a  person  worthy 
to  be  admitted  to  the  sacred  order  of  .  .  .  In  witness  whereof  we  have 
hereunto  set  our  hands,  this  .  .  .  day  of  ...  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord 

But  before  a  Standing  Committee  in  any  State  shall  proceed  to  recom 
mend  any  candidate,  as  aforesaid,  to  the  Bishop,  such  candidate  shall 
produce  from  the  minister  and  vestry  of  the  parish  where  he  resides,  or 
from  the  vestry  alone  if  the  parish  be  vacant,  or  if  there  be  no  vestry, 
from  at  least  twelve  respectable  persons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  neighbourhood  in  which  he  resides,  testimonials  of  his 
good  morals  and  orderly  conduct  for  three  years  last  past,  and  that  he 
has  not,  so  far  as  they  know  and  believe,  written,  taught,  or  held  any 
thing  contrary  to  the  doctrine  or  discipline  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church ;  a  publication  of  his  intention  to  apply  for  Holy  Orders  having 
been  previously  made  by  such  minister  or  vestry.  He  shall  also  lay  before 
the  Standing  Committee,  testimonials  to  the  same  effect,  signed  by  at  least 
one  respectable  clergyman  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
United  States,  from  his  personal  knowledge  of  the  candidate  for  at  least 
one  year. 

In  every  State  in  which  there  is  no  Standing  Committee,  such   Com 
mittee  shall  be  appointed  at  its  next  ensuing  Convention;  and  in  the 
mean  time,  every  candidate  for  Holy  Orders  shall  be  recommended  ac 
cording  to  the  regulations  or  usage  of  the  Church  in  each  State,  and* 
the  requisitions  of  the  bishop  to  whom  he  applies. 

The  6th  Canon,  passed  in  October,  1789,  concerning  the  testimonials 
to  be  produced  on  the  part  of  those  who  are  to  be  ordained,  and  so  much 
of  the  4th  Canon  passed  in  1792,  as  relates  to  the  subject  of  this  Canon, 
are  hereby  rescinded 

CANON  III. — Of  the  Age  of  those  who  are  to  be  Ordained 
or  Consecrated. 

Deacon's  Orders  shall  not  be  conferred  on  any  person  until  he  shall  be 
twenty-one  years  old,  nor  Priest's  Orders  on  any  one  until  he  shall  be 
twenty-four  years  old;  and  unless  he  shall  have  been  a  Deacon  one 
year.  No  man  shall  be  consecrated  a  bishop  of  this  Church  until  he 
shall  be  thirty  years  old. 

The  4th  Canon  of  the  year  1789  is  hereby  rescinded. 

CANON  IV. — Of  the  Learning  of  those  who  are  to  be 
Ordained. 

No  person  shall  be  ordained  in  this  Church  until  he  shall  have  satisfied 
the  Bishop  and  the  two  Presbyters  by  whom  he  shall  be  examined,  that 


1795.]  APPENDIX.  209 

he  is  well  acquainted  with  the  Holy  Scriptures,  can  read  the  New  Testa 
ment  in  the  original  Greek,  and  give  an  account  of  his  faith  in  the  Latin 
tongue;  and  that  he  hath  a  competent  knowledge  of  natural  and  moral 
philosophy  and  church  history,  and  hath  paid  attention  to  composition 
and  pulpit  eloquence  as  means  of  giving  additional  efficacy  to  his  la 
bours;  unless  the  bishop  shall  judge  it  proper  to  dispense  with  the  above 
requisites  in  part,  in  consideration  of  certain  other  qualifications  in  the 
candidate,  peculiarly  fitting  him  for  the  Gospel  ministry. 
The  7th  Canon  of  the  year  1789  is  hereby  rescinded. 

CANON  V. — Of  the  Officiating  of  Ministers  of  this  Church  in 
the  Churches  or  within  the  Parochial  Cures  of  other  Cler 
gymen. 

No  clergyman  belonging  to  this  Church  shall  officiate,  either  by  preach 
ing  or  reading  prayers,  in  the  parish,  or  within  the  parochial  cure  of  an 
other  clergyman,  unless  he  have  received  express  permission  for  that  pur 
pose,  from  the  minister  of  the  parish  or  cure,  or  in  his  absence,  from  the 
church  wardens  and  vestrymen,  or  trustees  of  the  congregation.  But  if 
any  minister  of  a  church  shall,  from  inability  or  any  other  cause,  neglect 
to  perform  the  regular  services  to  his  congregation,  and  shall  refuse  his 
consent  to  any  other  minister  of  this  Church  to  officiate  within  his  cure, 
the  church  wardens,  vestrymen,  or  trustees  of  such  congregation  shall,  on 
proof  of  such  neglect  and  refusal  before  the  bishop  of  the  diocese,  or,  if 
there  be  no  bishop,  before  the  Standing  Committee,  or  before  such  persons 
as  may  be  deputed  by  him  or  them,  or  before  such  persons  as  may  be,  by 
the  regulations  of  this  Church  in  any  State,  vested  with  the  power  of 
hearing  and  deciding  on  complaints  against  clergymen,  have  power  to 
open  the  doors  of  their  churches  to  any  regular  minister  of  the  Protes 
tant  Episcopal  Church. 

The  6th  Canon  of  1792  is. hereby  rescinded. 

CANON  VI. — Of  the  Preparatory  Exercises  of  a  Candidate 
for  the  Ministry. 

Every  candidate  for  the  ministry  shall  give  notice  of  his  intention  to 
the  bishop,  or  to  such  body  as  the  Church  in  the  State  in  which  the  candi 
date  resides,  may  have  appointed  to  superintend  the  instruction  of  candi 
dates  for  Holy  Orders,  at  least  one  year  before  his  ordination.  And  if 
there  be  a  bishop  within  the  State  or  district  where  the  candidate  resides, 
he  shall  apply  to  no  other  bishop  for  ordination,  without  the  permission 
of  the  former.  And  the  said  candidate  shall  pass  through  the  preparatory 
exercises  which  the  bishop,  or  such  body  aforesaid,  may  appoint :  such  as 
composing  of  theses,  homilies  or  sermons,  one  or  more,  to  be  delivered 
either  publicly  or  privately,  in  his  or  their  presence,  at  such  time  or  times 
as  may  be  appointed  by  the  authority  aforesaid. — And  this  Canon  shall  be 
in  force  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  January  next. 

CANON  VII. — For  the  better  accomplishing  of  the  Objects 
of  the  Sixth  Canon  of  1792. 

Whereas  there  is  no  provision  made  in  the  6th  Canon  of  1792,  for  the 
case  of  such  a  vicinity  of  two  or  more  churches,  as  that  there  can  be  no 

VOL.  I.— 14 


210  APPENDIX.  [1795. 

local  boundaries  drawn  between  their  respective  cures,  it  is  hereby  ordained 
that,  in  every  such  case,  no  minister  of  this  Church,  other  than  the  pa 
rochial  clergy  of  the  said  cures,  shall  preach  within  the  common  limits  of 
the  same,  in  any  .other  place  than  in  one  of  the  churches  thereof,  without 
the  consent  of  the  major  number  of  the  parochial  clergy  of  the  said 
churches. 

CANON  VIII. — To  prevent  a  Congregation  in  any  Diocese  or 
State  to  unite  with  a  Church  in  any  other  Diocese  or 
State. 

Whereas  a  question  may  arise,  whether  a  congregation  within  the  di 
ocese  of  any  bishop,  or  within  any  State  in  which  there  is  not  yet  any 
bishop  settled,  may  unite  themselves  with  the  Church  in  any  other  dio 
cese  or  State,  it  is  hereby  determined  and  declared,  that  all  such  unions 
shall  be  considered  as  irregular  and  void ;  and  that  every  congregation 
of  this  Church  shall  be  considered  as  belonging  to  the  body  of  the  Church 
of  the  diocese,  or  of  the  State,  within  the  limits  of  which  they  dwell  or  with 
in  which  there  is  seated  a  Church  to  which  they  belong.  And  no  clergy 
man  having  a  parish  or  cure  in  more  than  one  State,  shall  have  a  seat  in 
the  Convention  of  any  State,  other  than  that  in  which  he  resides. 

CANON  IX. — To  empower  the  Bishop  in  each  Diocese  or 
District  to  compose  Forms  of  Prayer  or  Thanksgiving  for 
extraordinary  occasions. 

The  bishop  of  each  diocese  or  district  may  compose  forms  of  prayer  or 
thanksgiving,  as  the  case  may  require,  for  extraordinary  occasions,  and 
transmit  them  to  each  clergyman  within  his  diocese  or  district,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  use  such  forms  in  hia  church  on  such  occasions.  And 
the  Clergy  in  those  States  in  which  there  is  no  Bishop,  may  use  the  forms 
of  prayer  or  thanksgiving  composed  by  the  Bishop  of  any  other  State. 

Done  in  Convention,  and  signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Bishops. 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.D.,  PRESIDING  BISHOP. 
WILLIAM  SMITH,  D.D., 
PRESIDENT  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES. 


£isf  of  fljp  (|l(prga 


OF   THE 


PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH, 

DELIVERED  IN  AND  PUBLISHED  AGREEABLY  TO  THE  16TH 
CANON  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION  OF  1789. 


From  NEW  HAMPSHIRE  and  MASSACHUSETTS  no  lists  were  delivered  in. 

The  Lists  from  RHODE  ISLAND  and  CONNECTICUT  are  the  same  as  those 
in  the  last  Journal,  no  new  Lists  having  been  delivered  in. 

RHODE  ISLAND. 

The  Rev.  Moses  Badger,  Rector  of  King's  church,  Providence. 
The  Rev.  William  Smith,  Rector  of  Trinity  church,  Newport. 

CONNECTICUT. 

Right  Rev.  Samuel  Seabury,  D.D.,  Bishop. 

The  Rev.  Ebenezer  Dibble,  Rector  of  St.  John's  church   Stamford. 
Rev.  George  Ogilvie,  St.  Paul's  church,  Norwalk. 
Rev.  Philo  Shelton,  Stratfield. 

Rev.  Dr.  Bela  Hubbard,  Trinity  church,  New  Haven. 
Rev.  Philo  Perry,  Christ  church,  Newtown. 
Rev.  David  Perry,  Reading,  etc. 
Rev.  Truman  Marsh,  New  Milford. 
Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  Litchfield. 
Rev.  Ambrose  Todd,  Symsbury. 
Rev.  Abraham  Lynsen  Clarke,  Huntington. 
Rev.  Dr.  Richard  Mansfield,  Derby. 
Rev.  Reuben  Ives,  Cheshire. 

Rev.  Dr.  Abraham  Jarvis,  Christ  Church,  Middleton. 
Rev.  Daniel  Fogg,  Brooklyn. 
Rev.  John  Tyler,  Christ  church,  Norwich. 
Rev.  Chauncey  Prindle,  Westbury. 
Rev.  John  Bowden,  residing  at  Stratford. 
Rev.  Edward  Blakslee,  Deacon,  Woodbridge 
Rev.  Solomon  Blakslee,  Deacon,  East  Haddam. 

(211) 


212  APPENDIX.  [1795. 

Rev.  David  Belden,  Deacon, . 

Rev.,Seth  Hart,  Deacon,  Waterbury. 

Rev.  David  Butler,  Deacon,  North  Guilford. 

,  NEW  YORK. 

Right  Rev.  Samuel  Provoost,  D.D.,  Bishop. 
Rev.  Jeremiah  Learning,  D.D.,  residing  in  New  York. 
Rev.  Abraham  Beach,  D.D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church,  New 

York. 
Rev.  Benjamin  Moore,  D.D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church,  New 

York. 

Rev.  Thomas  L.  Moore,  Rector  of  St.  George's  church,  South  Hempstead. 
Rev.  Thomas  Ellison,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Albany. 
Rev.  John  Bisset,  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York. 
Rev.  Richard  C.  Moore,  Rector  of  St.  Andrew's  church,  Staten  Island. 
Rev.  George  H.  Spieren,  Rector  of  Christ  church,  Poughkeepsie. 
Rev.  Samuel  Nesbit,  Rector  of  St.  Anne's  church,  Brooklyn. 
Rev.  Elias  Cooper,  Rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Philipsburgh. 

Rev.  Andrew  Fowler,  Rector  of church,  Bedford. 

Rev.  Theodosius  Bartow,  Rector  of  Trinity  church  at  New  Rochelle. 
Rev.  William  Hainmel,  Rector  of  the  churches  at  Jamaica,  Newtown, 

and  Flushing. 

Rev.  John  J.  Sands,  Minister  of  Christ  church,  Rye. 
Rev.  Elijah  D.  Rattoone,  Professor  of  the  Greek  and  Latin  Languages  in 

Columbia  College. 

Rev.  Ammi  Rogers,  Rector  of  the  churches  at  Schenectady  and  Ballston. 
Rev.  John  Ireland,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  West  Chester. 
Rev.  David  Belden,  Rector  of  Christ  church,  Duanesburgh. 
Rev.  Frederick  Van    Home,  Minister  of    St.  Andrew's  church,  Ulster 

county. 
Rev.  Walter  C.  Gardiner,  Minister  of  Christ  church,  Hudson. 

Rev.  Samuel  Haskell,  Minister  of church,  Peekskill. 

Rev.  James  Nicholls  officiates  every  third  Sunday  at  Camden. 
Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  officiates  every  third  Sunday  at  Kingsbury. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

Rev.  Uzal  Ogden,  Rector  of  Trinity  church,  Newark. 

Rev.  Henry  Waddell,  Rector  of  Christ  church,  Shrewsbury,  and  Christ 
church,  Middletown. 

Rev.  Henry  Vandyke,  Rector  of  St.  Mary's  church,  Burlington. 

Rev.  William  Ayres,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Spotswood. 

Rev.  John  Croes,  Rector  of  Trinity  church,  Swedesborough. 

Rev.  Richard  C.  Moore,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Amboy,  but  resid 
ing  in  the  State  of  New  York. 

Rev.  Elisha  D.  Rattoone,  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church,  Newark, 
but  residing  in  New  York. 

Rev.  John  Wade,  residing  at  present  at  Colestown. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  William  White,  D.D.,  Bishop. 
Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D. 
Rev.  Samuel  Magaw,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Philadelphia. 


1795.]  APPENDIX.  213 

Rev.  John  Andrews,  D.D.,  Vice-Provost  of  the  University  of  Pennsyl 
vania. 

Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ  Church  and  St. 
Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Rev.  Joseph  Hutchins,  D.D. 

Rev.  John  Campbell,  Rector  of  the  Episcopal  churches  in  York  and  Hun 
tingdon. 

Rev.  Slator  Clay,  Rector  of  St.  David's,  Radnor,  St.  Peter's  iu  the  Valley, 
and  St.  James's,  Perkiomen. 

Rev.  Elisha  Rigg,  Rector  of  St.  James's,  Lancaster. 

Rev.  Levi  Heath,  Rector  of  Pequea  and  Bangor  churches,  Lancaster 
county. 

Rev.  Robert  Ayres,  Rector  of  Emanuel  church  and  St.  Peter's  church 
in  Washington  and  Fayette  counties. 

Rev.  Francis  Reno,  Westmoreland  county. 

Rev.  Joseph  H.  Turner,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Chester,  and  St. 
Martin's  church,  Marcus  Hook. 

Rev.  Caleb  Hopkins,  Rector  of  Christ  church,  Derry  township,  and  Christ 
church,  Turbut  township,  Northumberland  county. 

Rev.  Thomas  Davis,  Washington  connty. 

Rev.  James  Abercrombie,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ  church  and  St. 
Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Rev.  Joseph  Doddridge,  Deacon  in  Washington  county. 

Rev.  John  Taylor,  Deacon  in  Northumberland  county. 

Rev.  Absalom  Jones,  (a  black  man),  Deacon  in  the  African  church  of 
St.  Thomas,  Philadelphia. 

DELAWARE. 

Rev.  Joseph  Clarkson,  Rector  of  Trinity  church,  Wilmington. 

Rev.  Robert  Clay,  Emanuel  church,  New  Castle. 

Rev.  George  Dasheille,  St.  Anne's  church,  Middletown,  Newcastle  county. 

Rev.  William  Pryce,  Christ  church,  Kent  county. 

Rev.  William  Skelly,  Christ  church,  Sussex  county. 

Rev.  James  Wiltbank,  St.  Peter's  church,  Sussex  county. 

MARYLAND. 

The  Right  Rev.  Thomas  J.  Claggett,  D.D.,  Bishop. 

Rev.  Andrew  Elliott,  Rector  of  King  and  Queen. 

Rev.  Francis  Walker,  St.  Andrew's. 

Rev.  Charles  Smoot,  William  and  Mary,  St.  Mary's  county. 

Rev.  John  W.  Compton,  William  and  Mary. 

Rev.  John  Weems,  Port  Tobacco  parish. 

Walter  Harrison,  Durham,  Charles  county. 

Rev.  Edward  Gantt,  Jun.,  All  Saints,  Calvert.(l) 

Rev.  Joseph  Messenger,  St.  John's  parish.(l) 

Rev.  Joseph  Jackson,  Queen  Anne's,  Prince  George. 

Rev.  Clement  Brook. 

Rev.  Walter  Addison. 

Rev.  Andrew  T.  Macormick,  residing  in  Prince  George. 

Rev.  Thomas  Scott,  St.  James's. (1) 

Rev.  Henry  Moscrop,  All  Hallows. 

Rev.  Ralph  Higinbottom,  St.  Anne'a. 


214  APPENDIX.  [1795. 

Rev.  Stephen  Sykes,  Anne  Arundel. 

Rev.  Thomas  Read,  Prince  George's  parish.(l) 

Rev.  George  Ralph,  Washington. 

Rev.  Edward  Gantt,  M.D. 

Rev.  Nicholas  W.  Lane,  St.  Peter's,  Montgomery. 

Rev.  George  Bower,  Rector  of  All  Saints,  Frederick. 

Rev.  Joseph  G.  J.  Bend,  St.  Paul's  parish.(l) 

Rev.  T.  Fitch  Oliver,  St.  Thomas's,  Baltimore. 

Rev.  John  Coleman,  St.  John's  parish.(l) 

Rev.  John  Allen,  St.  George's. 

Rev.  John  Ireland,  Harford  county. 

Rev.  William  Duke,  St.  Mary  Anne's.(l) 

Rev.  Jeremiah  Cosden,  St.  Stephen's,  Cecil. 

Rev.  Colin  Ferguson,  D.D.,  St.  Paul's  parish,  Kent  county.(l) 

Rev.  Archibald  Walker,  Kent. 

Rev.  Samuel  Keene,  D.D.,  St.  Luke's  parish. 

Rev.  Samuel  Keene,  Jun.,  Queen  Anne's.(l) 

Rev.  Owen  F.  Magrath,  St.  Peter's. 

Rev.  John  Bowie,  D.D.,  St.  Michael's,  Talbot. 

Rev.  James  Kemp,  Great  Choptank  parish,  Dorchester  county.(l) 

Rev.  Samuel  Tingeley. 

Rev.  Samuel  Sloan,  Somerset. 

Rev.  David  Ball,  Rector  of  All  Hallows  parish,  Worcester. 

VIRGINIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  James  Madison,  D.D.,  Bishop. 
Rev.  Charles  O'Neill,  rector  of  Amherst  parish. 
Rev.  Alexander  Hay,  rector  of  Antrim  parish. 
Rev.  Devereux  Jarratt,  rector  of  Bath  parish. 
Rev.  Samuel  Gray,  Botetourt  parish. 
Rev.  Hugh  Corrans  Boggs,  rector  of  Berkeley  parish. 
Rev.  Benjamin  Brown,  rector  of  Brisland  parish. 
Rev.  John  Syme,  rector  of  Bristol  parish. 

Rev.  John  Cameron,  D.D.,  rector  of 

Rev.  Alexander  M'Farland,  rector  of  Brunswick  parish 

Rev.  John  Bracken,  D.D.,  rector  of  Bruton  parish. 

Rev.  John  Camm,  rector  of  Charles  parish. 

Rev.  Henry  Heffernam. 

Rev.  David  Ball,  Christ  church  parish. 

Rev.  James  Elliott,  rector  of  Cople  parish. 

Rev.  Needier  Robinson,  rector  of  Dale  parish. 

Rev.  Spence  Grayson,  rector  of  Dettingen  parish. 

Rev.  Jesse  Carter,  rector  of  Drysdale  parish. 

Rev.  John  J.  Spooner,  Elizabeth  city  parish. 

Rev.  James  Whitehead,  rector  of  Elizabeth  river  parisi. 

Rev.  Thomas  Davis,  Fairfax  parish. 

Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  rector  of  Frederick  parish. 

Rev.  Matthew  Maury,  rector  of  Fredericksville  parish. 

Rev.  James  Craig,  rector  of  Hamilton  parish. 

Rev.  John  Buchanan,  D.D.,  rector  of  Henrico  parish. 

Rev.  Samuel  S.  M'Croskey,  rector  of  Hungars  parish. 

Rev.  James  Thompson,  rector  of  Leeds  parish. 

Rev.  Charles  Crawford,  rector  of  Lexington  parish. 


1795.]  APPENDIX.  215 

Rev.  William  Crawford,  Lexington  parish. 

Rev.  Elkanah  Talley,  rector  of  Littleton  parish. 

Rev.  Isaac  Wm.  Gibbern,  rector  of  Lunenburg  parish. 

Rev.  Anthony  Walke,  rector  of  Lynhaven  parish. 

Rev.  Wm.  Cameron,  rector  of  Manchester  parish. 

Rev.  William  Hubard,  rector  of  Newport  parish. 

Rev.  Henry  J.  Burgess,  Nottoway  parish. 

Rev.  Robert  Buchan,  rector  of  Overwharton  parish. 

Rev.  Arthur  Emerson,  rector  of  Portsmouth  parish. 

Rev.  John  Brunskill,  rector  of  Raleigh  parish. 

Rev.  Alexander  Lundie,  rector  of  St.  Andrew's  parish. 

Rev.  John  Matthews,  St.  Bride's  parish. 

Rev.  Reuben  Clopton, 

Rev.  Cave  Jones,  St.  George's  parish. 

Rev.  Isaac  Foster, . 

Rev.  James  Stenvenson,  rector  of  St.  George's  parish. 

Rev.  Charles  Hopkins,  rector  of  St.  James,  Northam  parish. 

Rev.  James  Price,  rector  of  St.  John's  parish. 

Rev.  Archibald  Dick,  rector  of  St.  Margaret's  parish. 

Rev.  John  Woodville.  St.  Mark's  parish. 

Rev.  Peter  Nelson,  St.  Martin's  parish. 

Rev.  Abner  Waugh,  rector  of  St.  Mary's  parish. 

Rev.  William  Stewart,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  parish. 

Rev.  John  Parsons, . 

Rev.  John  Seward,  St.  Stephen's  parish. 

Rev.  John  Hyde  Saunders,  rector  of  Southam  parish. 

Rev.  Samuel  Butler,  rector  of  Southwark  parish. 

Rev.  Lee  Massey,  rector  of  Truro  parish. 

Rev.  Sewal  Chapin,  rector  of  Westover  parish. 

Rev.  James  Henderson,  rector  of  York  parish. 

Rev.  John  Bryan,  rector  of  Wicomico  parish. 

Rev.  John  O'Donnel,  rector  of  Hampshire  parish. 

Rev.  Thomas  Hughes,  rector  of  Petsworth  parish. 

Rev.  Joseph  Wilson. 

Rev.  Stephen  Johnson. 

Rev.  John  Wade. 

Rev.  Armistead  Smith,  rector  of  Matthews  parish. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 
The  Right  Rev.  Robert  Smith,  D.D.,  Bishop. 
Rev.  Mr.  Frost. 

Rev.  Dr.  Purcell,  St.  Michael's. 
Rev.  Dr.  Gates. 
Rev.  Mr.  Jenkins. 

Rev.  Mr.  Nixon,  Master  of  an  Academy. 
Rev.  Mr.  White,  Charleston. 
Rev.  Mr.  Mills,  St.  Andrew's. 
Rev.  Mr.  M'Culley,  St.  Luke's. 
Rev.  Mr.  Tate,  St.  Helen's. 
Rev.  Mr.  Blackwall,  St.  Bartholomew's. 
Rev.  Mr.  Connor,  Edisto. 

Those  gentlemen  whose  names  are  marked  (1)  were  elected  members 
of  the  Standing  Committee  in  the  State  Convention  of  1795. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS 


OF  THE 


BISHOPS,  CLERGY,  AND  LAITY 


OP  THE 


(Jjurrlj 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA, 


A  CONVENTION 


HELD   IN 


TH«  CITY  OF  PHILADELPHIA,  FROM  TUESDAY,  JUNE  HTH, 
TO  WEDNESDAY,  JUNE  19iH,  1799. 

(217) 


LIST  OF  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF 
CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES. 


FROM  THE  STATE  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 
Rev.  William  Walter,  D.D. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  RHODE  ISLAND. 
Rev.  Abraham  Lynsen  Clarke. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  CONNECTICUT. 
Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D. 
Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin. 
Benjamin  Hall,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  YORK. 
Rev.  John  Bisset. 
Rev.,Amini  Rogers. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  JERSEY. 
Rev.  Uzal  Ogden,  D.D. 
Rev.  Henry  Waddell. 
Rev.  John  Croes. 
Rev.  Menzies  Rayner. 
John  Rutherford,  Esq. 
Mr.  Jeffery  Clarke. 
Mr.  John  Dennis. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 
Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D. 
Rev.  John  Andrews,  D.D. 
Rev.  Samuel  Magaw,  D.D. 
Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.D. 
General  Francis  Gurney. 
John  C.  Stocker,  Esq. 
Mr.  Joseph  Sims. 
Mr.  J.  B.  Gilpin. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  DELAWARE. 
Rev.  Robert  Clay. 
Rev.  Joseph  Carkson. 
Rev.  William  Pryce. 
Rev.  Walter  C.  Gardiner. 
Joseph  Burn,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  VIRGINIA. 
Rev.  John  Bracken,  D.D. 
Robert  Andrews,  Esq. 

(219) 


JOURNAL 


OF   THE 


of  (Jlprirai  anb  £ag 


PHILADELPHIA,  CHRIST  CHURCH, 

TUESDAY,  JUNE  11,  1799. 

SUFFICIENT  number  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  to 
form  a  Convention  not  appearing,  the  members  pre 
sent  adjourned  to  meet  at  the  State  House  to-morrow 
morning  at  10  o'clock. 


STATE  HOUSE,  WEDNESDAY,  June  12. 

The  members  met  agreeably  to  adjournment,  and  a  quo 
rum  being  formed, 

The  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White  read  prayers. 

Deputies  from  seven  States  appearing,  the  house  proceeded 
to  the  appointment,  by  ballot,  of  a  President;  and  a  ma 
jority  of  the  votes  were  found  for  the  Rev.  William  Smith, 
D.D. 

The  Rev.  James  Abercrombie,  one  of  the  Assistant-Minis 
ters  of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's,  was  appointed  Secre 
tary  to  the  Convention. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Andrews  inform  the  House 
of  Bishops,  that  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies 
is  formed,  and  ready  to  proceed  to  business. 

Resolved, — That  the  rules  of  order  established  by  the 

(221) 


222     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1799. 

House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  of  the  two  preceding 
General  Conventions,  be  adopted. 

The  Rev.  William  Walter,  D.D.,  Clerical  deputy  from  the 
State  of  Massachusetts;  the  Rev.  Abraham  Lynsen  Clark, 
Clerical  deputy  from  the  State  of  Rhode  Island ;  the  Rev. 
John  Bisset  and  the  Rev.  Ammi  Rogers,  Clerical  deputies 
from  the  State  of  New  York;  the  Rev.  Uzal  Ogden,  D.D., 
the  Rev.  Henry  Waddell,  and  the  Rev.  John  Croes,  Clerical 
deputies,  and  Mr.  Jeffery  Clarke,  Lay  deputy  from  the  State 
of  New  Jersey;  Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D.,  the  Rev.  John 
Andrews,  D.D.,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Magaw,  D.D.,  and  the  Rev. 
Robert  Blackwell,  D.D.,  Clerical  deputies,  General  Francis 
Gurney,  and  Mr.  Joseph  Sims,  Lay  deputies  from  the  State 
of  Pennsylvania ;  the  Rev.  Joseph  Clarkson,  the  Rev.  Wil 
liam  Price,  and  the  Rev.  Walter  C.  Gardiner,  Clerical  depu 
ties,  and  Joseph  Burn,  Esq.,  Lay  deputy  from  the  State  of 
Delaware ;  and  the  Rev.  John  Bracken,  D.D.,  Clerical  De 
puty,  and  Robert  Andrews,  Esq.,  Lay  deputy  from  the  State 
of  Virginia,  delivered  in,  at  the  Secretary's  table,  certificates 
of  their  appointment,  which  were  read,  and  determined  to 
be  satisfactory. 

Mr.  Bisset  proposed  the  following  resolution,  viz. :  That  a 
Committee,  consisting  of members,  be  appointed  to  re 
vise  the  Canons,  to  propose  amendments,  and  to  report  the 
whole  in  one  regular  series.  This  resolution  was  read,  and 
ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


THURSDAY,  June  13. 

Prayers  being  read  by  the  Secretary,  the  house  proceeded 
to  business. 

The  Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D.,  and  the  Rev.  Ashbel  Bald 
win,  Clerical  deputies,  and  Benjamin  Hall,  Esq.,  Lay  deputy 
from  the  State  of  Connecticut,  presented  their  testimonials, 
which  were  approved,  and  they  took  their  seats  accordingly. 
Mr.  John  Dennis,  a  Lay  deputy  from  the  State  of  New  Jer 
sey,  and  John  C.  Stocker,  Esq.,  a  Lay  deputy  from  the  State 
of  Pennsylvania,  took  their  seats. 

Mr.  Bisset's  proposed  resolution  of  yesterday,  was  taken 
up  and  carried,  and  the  blank  ordered  to  be  filled  up  with  the 
word  "  five. 


1799.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     223 

The  members  appointed  were,  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  of  Connec 
ticut,  Rev.  Mr.  Bisset  of  New  York,  Rev.  Mr.  Waddell  of 
New  Jersey,  Gen.  Gurney  of  Pennsylvania,  and  Mr.  Hall  of 
Connecticut. 

The  house  resolved  itself  into  a  Committee  of  the  whole 
on  the  State  of  the  Church. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Walter  in  the  chair. 

After  some  time  the  Committee  rose,  and  the  Chairman 
reported  the  following  resolution,  viz. 

Resolved, — That  the  consideration  of  the  resolution,  for 
an  alteration  in  the  Constitution  of  this  Church,  proposed  in 
the  last  General  Convention,  in  these  words :  "  But  if  the 
Church  shall  not  be  represented  in  both  Orders,  by  a  ma 
jority  of  the  States,  then  the  votes  shall  be  given  by  States 
without  regard  to  Orders,"  be  postponed  to  the  next  General 
Convention. 

This  resolution  was  disagreed  to  by  the  house. 

Resolved, — That  this  house  will  now  go  into  a  Committee 
of  the  whole,  to  take  into  consideration  the  second  resolution 
of  the  General  Convention  of  Friday,  Sept.  18, 1795,  and  to 
report  thereon. 

The  house  resolved  itself  accordingly,  Dr.  Walter  in  the 
chair. 

The  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  the  whole  reported, 
that  the  Committee  had  risen  and  requested  leave  to  sit 
again. 

Resolved, — That  in  the  places  of  Dr.  Moore  and  Mr.  Bend, 
who  are  absent,  Dr.  Smith  of  Connecticut,  and  Mr.  Bisset, 
be  added  to  the  other  three  members,  viz.,  Dr.  Smith  of 
Pennsylvania,  Dr.  Andrews,  and  Dr.  Magaw,  the  Committee 
appointed  by  the  last  General  Convention  to  digest  and  re 
port  a  course  of  study  for  candidates  for  Efoly  Orders,  and 
that  they  be  requested  to  report  the  same  during  the  present 
session. 

Resolved, — That  Dr.  Andrews  and  Mr.  Andrews  be  a 
Committee  to  bring  in  a  Canon  prescribing  the  mode  of  call 
ing  special  meetings  of  the  General  Convention. 

Resolved, — That  the  Secretary  be  requested  to  officiate  as 
Chaplain  to  the  Convention  during  the  present  session. 

Adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


224  JOURNAL  OF  THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.        [1799. 

FRIDAY,  June  14. 

The  house  met,  and  the  Chaplain  read  prayers. 

The  Rev.  Menzies  Rayner,  a  Clerical  deputy  from  the 
State  of  New  Jersey,  and  the  Rev.  Robert  Clay,  a  Clerical 
deputy  from  the  State  of  Delaware,  took  their  seats. 

Mr.  Andrews,  from  the  Committee  appointed  to  report  a 
Canon  for  calling  special  Conventions,  reported  a  Canon, 
prescribing  the  mode  of  calling  special  Conventions;  which 
was  read  the  first  time,  and  ordered  for  a  second  reading. 

On  motion,  the  Canon  prescribing  the  mode  of  calling  spe 
cial  Conventions  was  read  a  second  time,  amended,  and  or 
dered  to  be  fairly  transcribed  for  a  third  reading.  It  was 
then  passed,  and  sent  for  concurrence,  by  the  Secretary,  to 
the  House  of  Bishops. 

Mr.  Croes  presented  testimonials  from  the  State  Conven 
tion  of  New  Jersey,  recommending  the  Rev.  Uzal  Ogden, 
D.D.,  as  Bishop  of  that  State. 

Ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Baldwin,  the  house  resolved  itself  into 
a  Committee  of  the  whole,  to  take  into  consideration  the  pro 
priety  of  framing  Articles  of  religion.  Dr.  Walter  in  the 
chair. 

The  Chairman  of  the  Committee  reported  the  following 
resolution,  viz. 

Resolved, — That  the  articles  of  our  faith  and  religion,  as 
founded  on  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testa 
ments,  are  sufficiently  declared  in  our  Creeds  and  Liturgy, 
as  set  forth  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  established  for 
the  use  of  this  Church,  and  that  further  articles  do  not  ap 
pear  necessary. 

This  resolution  was  disagreed  to  by  the  house; 

The  House  of  Bishops  sent  for  concurrence  a  form  of  con 
secration  of  a  church  or  chapel ;  which  was  ordered  to  lie  on 
the  table. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Clarkson  asked  leave  of  absence  till  Tues 
day,  which  was  not  granted. 

Adjourned  to  6  o'clock  this  evening. 

FRIDAY  EVENING,  6  o'clock. 

The  house  met. 

The  Canon,  prescribing  the  mode  of  calling  special  Con 
ventions,  was  returned  with  amendments  from  the  House  of 
Bishops,  which  were  agreed  to. 


1799.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      225 

The  form  of  consecration  of  a  church  or  chapel,  sent  to 
this  house  by  the  Bishops,  was  read,  and  referred  to  a  Com 
mittee  of  the  whole  house  to-morrow  morning. 

On  motion,  resolved,  that  the  testimonials  respecting  the 
Bishop  elect  of  New  Jersey  be  read,  which  was  done. 

Resolved, — That  the  consideration  of  this  subject  be  post 
poned  till  to-morrow. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


SATURDAY,  June  15. 

The  house  met,  and  the  Chaplain  read  prayers. 

The  house  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  testimo 
nials  in  favour  of  the  Bishop  elect  of  New  Jersey;  and,  af 
ter  discussion,  the  subject  was  postponed. 

A  resolution  was  proposed  by  Mr.  Bisset,  that  the  Conven 
tion  now  proceed  to  the  framing  of  Articles  of  religion  for 
this  Church. 

The  question  was  taken  by  Yeas  and  Nays  as^follows. 

CLERGY — Massachusetts,  No ;  Connecticut,  Yea ;  Rhode  Is 
land,  Yea;  New  York,  Yea;  New  Jersey,  Yea;  Pennsylva 
nia,  No;  Delaware,  Yea;  Virginia,  No. 

LAITY — Connecticut,  Yea;  New  Jersey,  Yea;  Pennsylva 
nia,  Yea ;  Virginia,  No. 

So  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 

Resolved, — That  the  Committee  shall  consist  of  a  member 
from  each  State  now  represented,  who  were  chosen,  and  were 
as  follows. 

Massachusetts,  Dr.  Walter;  Connecticut,  Dr.  Smith;  New 
York,  Mr.  Bisset ;  New  Jersey,  Mr.  Waddell ;  Pennsylvania, 
Dr.  AndreAvs;  Delaware,  Mr.  Clay;  Virginia,  Dr.  Bracken. 

Resolved, — That  leave  be  given  to  Mr.  Baldwin  to  bring 
in  a  Canon  to  regulate  the  qualifications  of  Ministers  to  vote 
in  State  and  General  Conventions. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  com 
municating  "  a  resolution  for  altering  the  1st  Article  of  the 
Constitution,"  and  "a  proposal  of  a  Prayer,  to  be  used  at 
the  meetings  of  Conventions." 

The  house  resolved  itself  into  a  Committee  of  the  whole, 
to  take  into  consideration  the  communications  from  the  House 
of  Bishops.  Dr.  Walter  in  the  chair. 

The  Committee  rose,  and  reported  certain  amendments  in 
VOL.  I.— 15 


226      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1799. 

the  "form  of  consecration  of  a  church  or  chapel;"  also, 
amendments  to  the  resolution  for  the  time  of  meeting  of  fu 
ture  General  Conventions,  together  with  an  amendment  to 
the  "  Prayer  to  be  used  during  the  sitting  of  Convention ;" 
all  of  which  were  concurred  in  by  the  house. 

Resolved, — That  leave  be  given  to  Mr.  Andrews  to  bring 
in  a  Canon  respecting  the  consecration  of  Bishops  in  the  re 
cess  of  the  General  Convention;  which  was  presented,  read, 
and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  on  Monday  morning. 


MONDAY  MORNING,  June  17. 

The  house  met,  and  the  Chaplain  read  prayers. 

Mr.  Baldwin  presented  "  A  Canon  to  regulate  the  qualifi 
cations  of  Ministers  to  vote  in  State  and  General  Conven 
tions;  which  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  proposed  Canon  respecting  the  consecration  of  Bish 
ops  in  the  recess  of  the  Convention,  was  read  a  second  time, 
amended,  and  ordered  to  be  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  communications  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  with  the 
amendments  proposed  by  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  were  returned  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  with  their 
concurrence. 

The  Chairman  of  the  Committee  for  revising  and  amend 
ing  the  Canons,  made  a  report,  which  was  read,  and  ordered 
to  be  recommitted. 

At  11  o  clock  the  house  adjourned  for  two  hours,  in  order 
that  the  several  Committees  might  finish  their  reports. 

MONDAY,  1  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  house  met. 

Mr.  Andrews  solicited  leave  to  bring  in  a  Canon,  repealing 
in  part  the  Canon  of  1795,  "  Concerning  the  learning  of 
those  who  are  to  be  ordained,"  which  was  granted;  and  the 
Canon  was  read,  approved,  and  sent  for  concurrence  to  the 
House  of  Bishops. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Bisset,  Resolved, — That  the  Committee 
appointed  to  review  and  arrange  the  Canons  be  discharged, 
and  that  all  the  Canons  which  have  been  passed  in  preced 
ing  General  Conventions,  together  with  those  which  may  be 
passed  during  the  present  session,  shall  be  arranged  under 


1799.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      227 

the  respective  years  in  which  they  were  enacted,  and  printed 
at  the  end  of  the  Journal  of  this  Convention.  Provided, 
nevertheless,  that  if  any  Canon  of  the  preceding  Conven 
tions  has  been  repealed,  it  shall  be  mentioned  by  its  number 
and  title  only,  followed  by  a  notification  of  its  having  been 
repealed. 

A  motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Bisset,  that  it  be  made  known 
to  the  several  State  Conventions,  that  it  is  proposed  to  con 
sider  and  determine  in  the  next  General  Convention,  on  the 
following  addition  to  the  second  article  of  the  Constitution, 
to  be  introduced  in  the  9th  line,  after  the  word  "  Conven 
tion,"  viz. 

"  But  if  the  Church  shall  not  be  represented  in  both  Or 
ders  in  a  majority  of  the  States,  then  the  votes  shall  be  by 
States,  without  regard  to  Orders." 

The  previous  question,  "  Shall  the  main  question  be  put?" 
was  taken,  and  determined  in  the  negative. 

John  Rutherford,  Esq.,  Lay  deputy  from  the  State  of 
New  Jersey,  took  his  seat. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Croes,  the  recommendation  of  the 
Church  in  New  Jersey,  in  favour  of  their  Bishop  elect,  was 
taken  up ;  and  after  some  discussion,  it  was  resolved  that  the 
consideration  of  the  same  be  postponed  till  to-morrow. 

The  House  of  Bishops  returned  the  Canon  repealing  in 
part  the  Canon  of  1795,  "  Concerning  the  learning  of  those 
who  are  to  be  ordained,"  with  their  approbation ;  and  a  sub 
stitute  for  the  Canon  respecting  the  consecration  of  Bishops 
during  the  recess  of  the  General  Convention,  which  was 
adopted. 

Adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


TUESDAY  MORNING,  June  18. 

The  House  met,  and  the  Chaplain  read  prayers. 

The  proposed  Canon,  respecting  the  qualification  of  Mi 
nisters  to  vote  in  State  and  General  Conventions,  was  read, 
amended,  and  ordered  to  be  sent  for  concurrence  to  the 
House  of  Bishops;  which  was  done. 

Mr.  J.  B.  Gilpin,  a  Lay  deputy  from  the  State  of  Pennsyl 
vania,  took  his  seat. 

The  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  the  Articles  reported 
seventeen  Articles  of  religion,  which  were  read.  Whereupon, 
on  motion  of  Mr.  Bisset, 


228  JOURNAL   OF   THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.        [1799. 

Resolved  unanimously, — That  on  account  of  the  advanced 
period  of  the  present  session,  and  the  thinness  of  the  Con 
vention,  the  consideration  of  the  Articles  now  reported  and 
read  be  postponed,  and  that  the  Secretary  transcribe  the 
Articles  into  the  Journal  of  this  Convention,  to  lie  over  for 
the  consideration  of  the  next  General  Convention. 

Dr.  Bracken  asked  leave  to  bring  in  a  Canon,  supplemen 
tary  to  the  2d  Canon  of  1795,  "  Concerning  the  testimonials 
to  be  produced  on  the  part  of  those  who  are  to  be  ordained," 
which  was  read  twice,  and,  upon  the  question  for  the  third 
reading,  was  negatived.  • 

The  testimonials  of  the  Bishop  elect  of  New  Jersey  being 
called  up,  the  following  resolution  passed : 

Whereas  doubts  have  arisen  in  the  minds  of  some  members 
of  the  Convention,  whether  all  the  Priests  who  voted  in  the 
election  of  the  Rev.  Uzal  Ogden,  D.D.,  to  the  office  of  a 
Bishop  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey,  were  so  qualified  as  to 
constitute  them  a  majority  of  the  resident  and  officiating 
priests  in  the  said  State,  according  to  the  meaning  of  the 
Canon  in  this  case  made  and  provided.  And  whereas,  in  a 
matter  of  so  great  importance  to  the  interest  of  religion  and 
the  honour  of  our  Church,  it  is  not  only  necessary  that  they 
who  concur  in  recommending  to  an  office  so  very  sacred, 
should  have  a  full  conviction  of  the  fitness  of  the  person 
they  recommend,  but  that  they  should  also  be  perfectly  sa 
tisfied  with  respect  to  the  regularity  of  every  step  which  had 
been  taken  in  the  business, — 

Resolved,  therefore,  that  in  the  opinion  of  the  House  of 
Deputies,  all  proceedings  respecting  the  consecration  of  the 
Rev.  Uzal  Ogden,  D.D.,  ought  to  be  suspended,  until  a  fu 
ture  Convention  of  the  State  of  New  Jersey  shall  declare 
their  sense  of  the  subject. 

The  House  of  Bishops  returned  the  Canon,  "  to  regulate 
the  qualifications  of  Ministers,  etc.,"  with  amendments.  The 
amended  title  was  adopted;  the  other  proposed  amendment 
was  rejected. 

The  House  of  Bishops  receded  from  their  amendment  of 
the  Canon,  explanatory  of  the  1st  Canon  of  1795. 

Resolved, — That  the  next  General  Convention,  to  be  held 
agreeably  to  the  Constitution  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  Sep 
tember,  1801,  shall  meet  in  the  city  of  Trenton. 

Resolved, — That  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White  be  requested 
to  preach  at  the  opening  of  the  next  General  Convention. 


1799.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      229 

Resolved, — That  the  House  of  Bishops  be  informed  that 
this  house  is  ready  to  adjourn. 

Mr.  Bisset  was  requested  to  communicate  the  two  preced 
ing  resolves  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be  given  to  their 
President,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  and  to  their  Secretary  and 
Chaplain,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Abercrombie,  for  their  attention  and 
services. 

Mr.  Bisset  reported,  "That  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.'  White 
would  comply  with  the  request  of  this  house;  and  that  the 
House  of  Bishops,  having  no  further  communications  to 
make,  concurred  in  the  resolution  of  adjournment. 

Ordered,  that  570  copies  of  the  Journal  be  printed. 

The  house  adjourned,  sine  die. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De- 
outies. 

WILLIAM  SMITH,  PRESIDENT. 

JAMES  ABERCROMBIE,  Secretary. 


APPENDIX. 


ARTICLES  OF  RELIGION. 

Extract  from  the  Journal  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  in  Convention  met,  1799. 

Resolved  unanimously, — That  t>n  account  of  the  advanced 
period  of  the  present  Session,  and  the  thinness  of  the  Con 
vention,  the  consideration  of  the  Articles,  now  reported  and 
read,  be  postponed;  and  that  the  Secretary  transcribe  the 
Articles  into  the  Journal  of  this  Convention,  to  lie  over  for 
the  consideration  of  the  next  General  Convention. 

The  Articles  referred  to  are  as  follow. 

I.  Of  faith  in  the  Holy  Trinity. 

There  is  but  one  living  and  true  God,  everlasting ;  of  infinite  power, 
wisdom,  and  goodness ;  the  maker  and  preserver  of  all  things,  visible 
and  invisible.  And  in  the  unity  of  this  Godhead  there  are  three  persons 
—the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost;  our  Creator,  Redeemer,  and 
Sanctifier. 

II.  Of  the  Holy  Scripture. 

Holy  Scripture  containeth  all  things  necessary  to  salvation ;  so  that 
whatsoever  is  not  read  therein,  and  cannot  be  proved  thereby,  is  not  to  be 
received  as  an  article  of  faith,  nor  deemed  necessary  to  salvation. 

By  Holy  Scripture,  we  understand  the  canonical  books  of  the  Old  and 
New  Testament. 

THE   NAMES   AND   NUMBER   OF   THE   CANONICAL   BOOKS   IN   THE   OLD 

TESTAMENT. 
CHAPS.  CHAPS. 

1.  Genesis  having  50  21.  Ecclesiastes               having  12 

2.  Exodus  "      40  22.  The  Song  of  Solomon 

3.  Leviticus  "      27  23.  Isaiah                                     66 

4.  Numbers  "       36  24.  Jeremiah                                 52 


5.  Deuteronomy  "       34      25.  Lamentations 

6.  Joshua  "      24      26.  Ezekiel 

7.  Judges  "      21      27.  Daniel 


(231) 


5 

48 
12 


232 


APPENDIX. 


[1799. 


8. 

9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 
U. 
15. 
16. 
17. 
18. 
19. 
•20. 


CHAPS. 

Ruth  having  4 

The  1st  Book  of  Samuel  31 
The  2d  Book  of  Samuel  24 
The  1st  Book  of  Kings  22 
The  2d  Book  of  Kings  25 
The  1st  Book  of  Chronicles  29 
The  2d  Book  of  Chronicles  36 
Ezra.  "  10 

Nehemiah  "       13 

The  Book  of  Esther  "  10 
The  Book  of  Job  "  42 

The  Psalms  "     150 

The  Proverbs  "      31 


28.  Hosea 

29.  Joel 

30.  Amos 

31.  Obadiah 

32.  Jonah 

33.  Micah 

34.  Nahum 

35.  Habakuk 

36.  Zephaniah 

37.  Haggai 

38.  Zechariah 

39.  Malachi 


CHAPS. 

having  14 

"  3 

«  9 

"  1 

"  4 

u  Y 

"  3 

"  3 

"  3 

«  2 

"  14 

"  4 


CANONICAL  BOOKS  OF  THE  NEW  TESTAMENT. 


1.  St.  Matthew  having  28 

2.  St.  Mark  "       16 

3.  St.  Luke  "       24 

4.  St.  John  «       21 

5.  The  Acts  of  the  Apostles       28 

6.  Epistle  to  the  Romans   "       16 

7.  1st  Epistle  to  the  Corinthians  16 

8.  2d  Epistle  to  the  Corinthians  13 

9.  Epistle  to  the  Galatians.  5 

10.  Epistle  to  the  Ephesians          6 

11.  Epistle  to  the  Philipians          4 

12.  Epistle  to  the  Colossians          4 

13.  1st  Epistle  to  theThessalonians  5 

14.  2d  Epistle  to  theThessalonians  3 


15.  1st  Epistle  to  Timothy  having  6 

16.  2d  Epistle  to  Timothy  "  4 

17.  Epistle  to  Titus  "  3 

18.  Epistle  to  Philemon  "  1 

19.  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews  "  13 

20.  Epistle  of  St.  James  "  5 

21.  1st  Epistle  of  St.  Peter  "  5 

22.  2d  Epistle  of  St.  Peter  "  3 

23.  1st  Epistle  of  St.  John  "  5 

24.  2d  Epiitle  of  St.  John  «  1 

25.  3d  Epistle  of  St.  John  "  1 

26.  Epistle  of  St.  Jude  "  1 

27.  Revelation  of  St.  John,  the 

Divine  "  22 


The  Apocryphal  books  are  read  by  the  Church,  for  example  of  life  and 
instruction  of  manners,  not  for  the  establishment  of  discipline  or  doctrine. 

III.    Of  the  Old  and  New  Testament 

There  is  a  perfect  harmony  and  accordance  between  the  Old  and  New 
Testament ;  for  in  both,  "  Pardon  of  sin  and  everlasting  life  are  offered  to 
mankind  through  Christ,  who  is  the  only  mediator  between  God  and 
man ;"  and  although  Christians  are  not  bound  to  obey  the  civil  and  cere 
monial  precepts,  yet  are  they  obliged  to  observe  all  the  moral  command 
ments  of  the  Mosaic  dispensation. 

IV.    Of  the  Creeds.     • 

The  Nicene  Creed  and  the  Apostles'  Creed  ought  to  be  retained  and 
believed,  because  every  Article  contained  in  them  may  be  proved  by  Holy 
Scripture. 

V.    Of  the  Transgression  of  our  first  Parents. 

By  the  transgression  of  our  first  parents  they  lost  that  primitive  inno 
cence  and  perfect  holiness  in  which  God  had  created  them;  and  thus  the 
nature  of  man  became  corrupted,  and  prone  to  evil,  so  that  there  is  no 
man  living  who  sinneth  not. 


1799.]  APPENDIX.  233 

VI.     Of  Justification. 

We  are  justified,  or  pardoned  by  God,  not  on  account  of  our  own  good 
works,  but  only  through  the  merits  and  mediation  of  our  blessed  Re 
deemer  and  Advocate,  JESUS  CHRIST.  But  although  good  works  cannot 
put  away  our  sins,  nor  appear  perfect  before  God,  yet  are  they  pleasing 
and  acceptable  to  God  in  Christ,  and  essentially  necessary  to  salvation — 
for  Scripture  assures  us,  that  "  faith  without  works  is  dead,"  and  that 
without  holiness  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord. 


VII.    Of  Predestination  and  Election. 

Being  well  assured,  from  Holy  Scripture,  of  the  eternal  purpose  or  pro 
mise  of  redemption,  according  to  which  God  sent  his  Son  to  be  the  pro 
pitiation  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world,  and  Christ  Jesus  gave  himself  a 
ransom  for  all ;  we  receive  the  doctrine  of  predestination  as  consistent 
with,  and  agreeable  to,  this  most  gracious  and  general  scheme  of  salva 
tion,  which  we  believe  to  be  universal  in  the  intention,  however  partial  the 
wickedness  of  mankind  may  render  it  in  the  application.  Under  the  im 
pression  of  this  belief,  it  is  the  duty  of  Christians  to  be  satisfied  with  and 
attend  to  the  promises  of  God,  as  they  are  generally  set  forth  to  us  in 
Holy  Scripture,  without  seeking  to  be  "  wise  above  what  is  written,"  or 
plunging  into  the  unrevealed  secrets  of  either  past  or  future  eternity,  but 
always  remembering  the  distinction  which  in  such  cases  Moses  lays  down 
— "  Secret  things  belong  unto  the  Lord  our  God,  but  the  things  which  are 
revealed  belong  unto  us  and  to  our  children  for  ever,  that  we  may  do  all 
the  words  of  this  law." 


VIII.     Of  Salvation  by  Christ  alone. 

Holy  Scripture  declares,  that  "  there  is  none  other  name  under  heaven 
given  among  men  whereby  we  must  be  saved,  but  only  the  name  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ."  But  we  are  not  authorised  to  assert,  that  men  shall 
not  be  saved  by  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  whom  his  Gospel  has  not 
been  promulgated.  We  leave  them  to  the  uncovenanted  mercies  of  God. 

IX.    Of  the  Church. 

The  visible  Church  of  Christ  is  the  whole  multitude  of  believers,  of 
whatsoever  nation  or  language,  dwelling  on  the  face  of  the  earth,  among 
whom  the  pure  word  of  God  is  preached,  the  Sacraments  duly  adminis 
tered,  and  the  order  of  the  priesthood  observed,  according  to  Christ's  or 
dinance  and  appointment. 

X.  Of  the  authority  of  the  Church. 

The  Church  hath  power  to  ordain,  change,  and  abolish  rites  and  cere 
monies,  and  to  determine  controversies  of  faith ;  but  it  is  not  lawful  for 
the  Church  to  ordain  or  command  any  thing  to  be  received  or  believed 
which  is  contrary  to  the  Canon  of  Scripture,  or  to  expound  one  part  of 
the  same  so  as  to  be  repugnant  to  another.  The  Church,  also,  is  the  wit 
ness  or  keeper  of  Holy  Writ,  and  must  neither  adulterate,  nor  add  to,  nor 
take  from  the  same. 


234  APPENDIX.  [1799. 

XL    Of  ministering  in  the  Church. 

It  is  not  lawful  for  any  man  to  take  upon  him  the  office  of  public 
preaching,  or  administering  the  Holy  Sacraments,  until  he  be  regularly 
ordained,  and  sent  to  execute  the  same.  And  those  we  judge  lawfully 
sent,  who  are  ordained  by  the  Bishops  of  the  Church. 

XII.    Of  the  Sacraments. 

Sacraments  were  ordained  by  Christ,  not  only  to  be  badges  or  tokens 
of  Christian  profession,  but  to  be  outward  and  visible  signs  of  inward 
and  spiritual  grace,  by  which  He  doth  work  invisibly  in  us,  and  doth  not 
only  quicken,  but  doth  also  strengthen  and  confirm  our  faith  in  Him. 

XIII.    Of  Baptism. 

Baptism  is  an  ordinance  by  which  we  are  regenerated  and  born  again 
of  water  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  received  into  Christ's  Church,  and  made 
living  members  of  the  same. 

XIV.    Of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

The  Supper  of  the  Lord  is  not  only  a  token  of  the  love  that  Christians 
ought  to  have  towards  one  another,  but  rather  a  pledge  of  our  redemption 
by  Christ's  death.  To  such  as  worthily  receive  the  same,  the  bread  which 
is  broken  is  a  partaking  of  the  body  of  Christ,  and  the  cup  of  blessing  is 
a  partaking  of  the  blood  of  Christ;  both  which  are  spiritually  received, 
for  the  preservation  of  our  souls  and  bodies  unto  everlating  life. 

XV.    Of  the  Oblation  of  Christ. 

The  oblation  of  the  body  of  Christ,  once  made,  is  that  perfect  sacrifice, 
propitiation,  and  satisfaction,  which  was  offered  for  the  sins  of  the  whole 
world.  And  there  is  no  other  sacrifice,  satisfaction,  or  atonement  for  sin, 
but  that  only. 

XVI.    Of  excommunicated  Persons. 

Whosoever  is  publicly  excommunicated  by  the  governors  of  the  Church, 
and  cut  off  from  the  unity  of  the  same,  is  to  be  considered  as  an  alien 
from  the  promises  of  the  Gospel,  until  he  be  openly  reconciled,  and  re 
ceived  again  into  communion. 

XVII.    Of  the  power  of  the  Civil  Magistrate. 

The  power  of  the  civil  magistrate  extendeth  to  all  men,  as  well  Clergy 
as  Laity,  in  all  things  temporal — but  hath  no  authority  in  things  purely 
spiritual.  And  we  hold  it  to  be  the  duty  of  all  men  who  are  professors 
of  the  gospel,  to  pay  a  respectful  obedience  to  the  civil  authority,  regu 
larly  and  legitimately  constituted. 


JOUENAL 


OP   THE 


fjfousp  of  $JisIjop. 


PHILADELPHIA,  CHRIST  CHURCH, 
r  5  TUESDAY,  June  llth,  1799. 

1 IJ  l»!p  being  the  day  of  a  Special  Meeting  of  the 
General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,  duly  summoned,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
of  the  House  of  Bishops,  attended,  and  appointed 
to  meet  the  next  day  at  10  o'clock,  in  the  Committee  Room 
of  the  House  of  Assembly ;  leave  having  been  given  to  meet 
there  by  his  Excellency  the  Governor. 


WEDNESDAY,  June  12,  1799. 

In  the  Committee  Room  of  the  House  of  Assembly. 

Present  as  before,  together  with  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Provoost,  of  the  State  of  New  York,  and  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Bass  of  the  State  of  Massachusetts. 

This  being  a  special  meeting,  and  the  Bishop  whose  turn 
it  would  have  been  to  preside,  agreeably  to  the  rules  of  this 
house,  not  attending,  Bishop  White,  the  President  of  the  last 
Convention,  was  requested  to  preside. 

Resolved, — That  during  the  session  of  the  Convention, 
the  house  will  attend  divine  service  in  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  house  received  a  message  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Andrews, 
from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  informing  that 
they  are  organized  and  ready  to  proceed  to  business.  Thia 
house  declared,  that  they  also  are  ready  to  proceed. 


236      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1799. 

After  some  time,  the  house  adjourned  until   to-morrow 
morning  at  ten  o'clock. 


THURSDAY,  June  13. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 

The  Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart  was  appointed  Secretary. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Provoost  proposed  to  the  consider 
ation  of  this  house,  a  form  of  consecration  of  a  church  or 
chapel,  which  was  read,  and  made  the  order  of  the  day  for 
to-morrow. 

The  house  adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


FRIDAY,  June  14. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  presented,  by 
their  Secretary,  a  proposed  Canon,  prescribing  the  mode  of 
calling  special  meetings  of  the  General  Convention. 

The  house  then  went  into  the  consideration  of  the  form  of 
consecration  of  a  church  or  chapel ;  which,  after  amendment, 
they  adopted,  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  for  their  concurrence. 

The  house  returned  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties  the  proposed  Canon,  prescribing  the  mode  of  calling 
special  meetings  of  the  General  Convention,  with  amend 
ments. 

The  house  then  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


SATURDAY,  June  15. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 

The  house  agreed  to  a  resolve,  respecting  an  alteration  in 
the  first  article  of  the  General  Constitution,  and  sent  it  to 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  for  their  concur 
rence. 

The  house  proposed  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties  a  prayer  to  be  used  at  the  meeting  of  the  Convention, 
and  to  be  printed  with  the  Journal  of  the  present  Convention. 

The  house  adjourned  to  Monday  morning,  9  o'clock. 


1799.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      237 

MONDAY,  June  17,  1799. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  on  Saturday. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  returned  to  this 
house,  by  their  Secretary,  the  resolution  for  altering  the  first 
article  of  the  General  Constitution,  with  an  amendment. 
Also,  the  Prayer  to  be  used  at  meetings  of  the  Convention, 
with  an  amendment.  Also,  the  form  of  consecration  of  a 
church  or  chapel,  with  sundry  amendments. 

The  house  passed  the  resolution  respecting  the  alteration 
of  the  first  article  of  the  General  Constitution,  with  the  pro 
posed  amendment;  which  resolution  is  as  follows,  viz. 

Resolved, — That  it  be  made  known  to  the  several  State 
Conventions,  that  it  is  proposed  to  consider  and  determine  in 
the  next  General  Convention,  on  the  following  alteration  of 
the  first  Article  of  the  Constitution: 

"  Article  I.  There  shall  be  a  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  Amer 
ica,  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
1805,  and  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  May  every  fifth  year  af 
terwards,  in  such  place,"  etc.,  as  before. 

The  house  passed  the  Prayer  to  be  used  at  meetings  of  the 
Convention,  with  the  proposed  amendment. 

The  house  approved  of  the  amendments  to  the  form  of 
consecration  of  a  church  or  chapel,  with  an  exception  to  one, 
which  they  ordered  to  be  returned  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  that  they  had  receded  from  their  amendment 
to  the  form  of  consecration  of  a  church  or  chapel,  which 
amendment  had  been  disagreed  to  by  this  house. 

The  form  of  consecration  was  then  passed  as  amended. 

A  proposed  Canon  was  received  from  the  House  of  Cleri 
cal  and  Lay  Deputies,  respecting  the  consecration  of  Bish 
ops  in  the  recess  of  the  General  Convention. 

The  above  Canon  was  returned  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  with  a  proposed  substitute. 

The  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  a  proposed  Canon,  repealing  in  part  the  Fourth 
Canon  of  1795,  concerning  the  learning  of  those  who  are  to 
be  ordained. 

The  house  passed  the  above  Canon. 

The  Right.  Rev.  Bishop  Provoost  obtained  leave  of  ab 
sence. 

The  house  adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


238     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1799. 

TUESDAY,  June  18,  1799. 

The  house  met.  Present  as  yesterday,  except  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Provoost. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  informed  the 
house,  that  they  had  agreed  to  the  proposed  substitute  to  the 
Canon  respecting  the  consecration  of  Bishops  in  the  recess 
of  the  General  Convention. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  presented  to  this 
house  a  proposed  Canon,  to  regulate  the  qualification  of  Mi 
nisters  to  vote  in  the  State  and  General  Conventions. 

The  aforesaid  Canon  was  returned  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  with  a  substitute  for  the  title,  and  another 
proposed  amendment.' 

The  house  concurred  in  the  following  resolution,  which 
they  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

Resolved, — That  Trenton,  in  New  Jersey,  be  the  place  of 
meeting  of  the  next  General  Convention. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  informed  this 
house  that  they  had  concurred  in  the  amendments  to  the 
proposed  Canon,  prescribing  the  mode  of  calling  special 
meetings  of  the  General  Convention. 

The  house  then  passed  the  above  Canon. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  informed  this 
house,  that  they  had  concurred  in  the  proposed  substitute  to 
the  title  of  a  Canon  which  originated  in  their  house,  and  that 
they  had  disagreed  to  the  proposed  amendment. 

The  house  receded  from  the  amendment,  and  passed  the 
Canon,  in  title  as  follows : 

"  A  Canon  explanatory  of  part  of  the  1st  Canon  of  1795." 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  informed  this 
house  that  they  had  finished  the  business  before  them,  and 
were  ready  to  rise. 

The  house  declared  that  they  also  are  ready  to  rise. 

The  house  rose. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Bishops. 

WILLIAM  WHITE, 

PRESIDING  BISHOP. 

Attest:  JOHN  HENRY  HOBART,  Secretary. 


APPENDIX. 


(Jfinons 


FOR    THE    GOVERNMENT    OF  THE    PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 


The  following  Canons  were  agreed  on,  and  ratified  in  the 
General  Convention  of  said  Church,  held  in  the  City  of  Phi 
ladelphia,  from  the  29th  day  of  September  to  the  16th  day 
of  October,  1789,  inclusive. 

CANON  I. — Of  the  Orders  of  the  Ministers  in  this  Church. 

In  this  Church  there  shall  always  be  three  Orders  in  the  Ministry,  viz., 
Bishops,  Priests,  and  Deacons. 

CANON  II. — Certificates  to  be  produced  on  the  part  of 
Bishops  elect. 

Every  bishop  elect,  before  his  consecration,  shall  produce  to  the  Bish 
ops,  to  whom  he  is  presented  for  that  holy  office,  from  the  Convention 
by  whom  he  is  elected  a  Bishop,  and  from  the  General  Convention,  or  a 
Committee  of  that  body  to  be  appointed  to  act  in  their  recess,  certificates, 
respectively  in  the  following  words,  viz. : 

TESTIMONY    FROM    THE   MEMBERS    OF    THE    CONVENTION   IN   THE    STATE 
FROM    WHENCE   THE    PERSON    IS    RECOMMENDED    FOR   CONSECRATION. 

We,  whose  names  are  underwritten,  fully  sensible  how  important  it  is, 
that  the  sacred  office  of  a  bishop  should  not  be  unworthily  conferred,  and 
firmly  persuaded  that  it  is  our  duty  to  bear  testimony  on  this  solemn  occa 
sion  without  partiality  or  affection,  do,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty  God, 
testify,  that  A.  B.  is  not,  so  far  as  we  are  informed,  justly  liable  to  evil 
report,  either  for  error  in  religion  or  for  viciousness  of  life ;  and  that  we 
do  not  know  or  believe  there  is  any  impediment  or  notable  crime  for 

(239) 


240  APPENDIX.  [1799. 

which  he  ought  not  to  be  consecrated  to  that  holy  office.  We  do,  more 
over,  jointly  and  severally  declare  that,  having  personally  known  him  for 
three  years  last  past,  we  do  in  our  consciences  believe  him  to  be  of  such 
sufficiency  in  good  learning,  such  soundness  in  the  faith,  and  of  such 
virtuous  and  pure  manners  and  godly  conversation,  that  he  is  apt  and 
meet  to  exercise  the  Office  of  a  Bishop,  to  the  honour  of  God  and  the 
edifying  of  his  Church,  and  to  be  an  wholesome  example  to  the  flock  of 
Christ. 

TESTIMONY   FROM    THE    GENERAL   CONVENTION. 

We  whose  names  are  underwritten,  fully  sensible  how  important  it  is 
that  the  sacred  office  of  a  Bishop  should  not  be  unworthily  conferred,  and 
firmly  persuaded  that  it  is  our  duty  to  bear  our  testimony  on  this  solemn 
occasion  without  partiality  or  affection,  do,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty 
God,  tesfffy  that  A.  B.  is  not,  so  far  as  we  are  informed,  justly  liable  to 
evil  report  either  for  error  in  religion  or  for  viciousness  of  life ;  and  that 
we  do  not  know  or  believe  there  is  any  impediment  or  notable  crime,  on 
account  of  which  he  ought  not  to  be  consecrated  to  that  holy  office,  but 
that  he  hath,  as  we  believe,  led  his  life,  for  the  three  years  last  past,  piously, 
soberly,  and  honestly. 

CANON  III. — Of  Episcopal  Visitation. 
Repealed  by  Canon  I.  of  1795. 

CANON  IV. — Of  the  Age  of  those  who  are  to  be  Ordained 

or  Consecrated. 
Repealed  by  Canon  III.  of  1795. 

CANON  V. — Of  the  Titles  of  those  who  are  to  be  Ordained. 

No  person  shall  be  ordained  either  Deacon  or  Priest,  unless  he  shall 
produce  a  satisfactory  certificate  from  some  church,  parish,  or  congrega 
tion,  that  he  is  engaged  with  them,  and  that  they  will  receive  him  as  their 
minister,  and  allow  him  a  reasonable  support;  or  \uiless  he  be  engaged 
as  a  professor,  tutor,  or  instructor  of  youth,  in  some  college,  academy,  or 
general  seminary  of  learning,  duly  incorporated ;  or  unless  the  Standing 
Committee  of  the  Church  in  the  State  for  which  he  is  to  be  ordained, 
shall  certify  to  the  Bishop  their  full  belief  and  expectation,  that  he  will 
be  received  and  settled  as  a  pastor  by  some  one  of  the  vacant  churches 
in  that  State. 

CANON  VI. — The  Testimonials  to  be  produced  on  the  part  of 

those  who  are  to  be  Ordained. 
Repealed  by  Canon  II.  of  1795. 

CANON  VII. — Of  the  Learning  of  those  who  are  to  be 
Ordained. 

Repealed  by  Canon  IV.  of  1795. 

CANON  VIII. — Of  the  Stated  Times  of  Ordination. 

Agreeably  to  the  practice  of  the  primitive  Church,  the  stated  times  of 


1799.]  APPENDIX.  241 

Ordination  shall  be  on  the  Sundays  following  the  Ember  weeks :  viz.,  the 
Second  Sunday  in  Lent,  the  Feast  of  Trinity,  and  the  Sundays  after  the 
Wednesdays  following  the  fourteenth  day  of  September  and  the  thirteenth 
of  December. 

CANON  IX. — Of  those  who,  having  been  ordained  by  foreign 
Bishops,  settle  in  this  Church. 

No  person,  not  a  member  of  this  Church,  who  shall  profess  to  be  epis- 
copally  ordained,  shall  be  permitted  to  officiate  therein,  until  he  shall 
have  exhibited  to  the  Vestry  of  the  Church  in  which  he  shall  offer  to 
officiate,  a  certificate  signed  by  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  or  district,  or, 
where  there  is  no  Bishop,  by  three  Clergymen  of  the  Standing  Committee 
of  the  Convention  of  that  State,  that  his  Letters  of  Orders  are  authentic, 
and  given  by  some  Bishop  whose  authority  is  acknowledged  by  this 
Church,  and  also  satisfactory  evidence  of  his  moral  character. 

CANON  X. — Of  the  Use  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer. 

Every  minister  shall,  before  all  sermons  and  lectures,  use  the  Book  of 
Common  Prayer,  as  the  same  shall'  be  set  forth  and  established  by  the 
authority  of  this  or  some  future  General  Convention ;  and  until  such  es 
tablishment  of  an  uniform  Book  of  Common  Prayer  in  this  Church,  every 
minister  shall  read  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  directed  to  be  used  by 
the  Convention  of  the  Church  in  the  State  in  which  he  resides ;  and  no 
other  prayer  shall  be  used  besides  those  contained  in  the  said  book. 

CANON  XI. — Of  the  duty  of  Ministers  in  regard  to  Episco 
pal  Visitation. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  ministers  to  prepare  children  and  others  for  the 
the  holy  ordinance  of  Confirmation.  And  on  notice  being  received  from 
the  Bishop  of  his  intention  to  visit  any  Church,  which  notice  shall  be  at 
least  one  month  before  the  intended  visitation,  the  minister  shall  be  ready 
to  present  for  Confirmation  those  who  shall  have  been  previously  instruct 
ed  for  the  same,  and  shall  deliver  to  the  Bishop  a  list  of  the  names  of 
those  presented. 

And  at  every  visitation  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  minister  and  of  the 
church  wardens,  to  give  information  to  the  bishop  of  the  state  of  the  con 
gregation,  under  such  heads  as  shall  have  been  committed  to  them  in  the 
notice  given  as  aforesaid. 

And  further,  the  ministers  and  church  wardens  of  such  congregations 
as  cannot  be  conveniently  visited  in  any  year,  shall  bring  or  send  to  the 
Bishop,  at  the  stated  meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  diocese  or  district, 
information  of  the  state  of  the  congregation,  under  such  heads  as  shall 
have  been  committed  to  them  at  least  one  month  before  the  meeting  of 
the  Convention. 

CANON  XII. — Notorious    Crimes   and   Scandals  to   be 
censured. 

If  any  persons  within  this  church  offend  their  brethren  by  any  wicked 
ness  of  life,  such  persons  shall  be  repelled  from  the  Holy  Communion,, 


242  APPENDIX.  [1799. 

agreeably  to  the  rubric,  and  may  be  further  proceeded  against,  to  the  de 
priving  of  them  of  all  privileges  of  church  membership,  according  to 
such  rules  or  process  as  may  be  provided,  either  by  General  Convention 
or  by  the  Conventions  in  the  different  States. 

CANON  XIII. — Sober  conversation  required  in  Ministers. 

No  ecclesiastical  persons  shall,  other  than  for  their  honest  necessities, 
resort  to  taverns  or  other  places  most  liable  to  be  abused  to  licentiousness. 
Further,  they  shall  not  give  themselves  to  any  base  or  servile  labour,  or  to 
drinking  or  riot,  or  to  the  spending  of  their  time  idly.  And  if  any  offend 
in  the  above,  they  shall  be  liable  to  the  ecclesiastical  censure  of  admoni 
tion,  or  suspension,  or  degradation,  as  the  nature  of  the  case  may  require, 
and  according  to  such  rules  or  process  as  may  be  provided,  either  by  the 
General  Convention  or  by  the  Conventions  in  the  different  States. 

CANON  XIV. — Of  the  due  celebration  of  Sundays. 

All  manner  of  persons  within  this  Church  shall  celebrate  and  keep  the 
Lord's  day,  commonly  called  Sunday,  in  hearing  the  word  of  God  read 
and  taught,  in  private  and  public  prayer,  in  other  exercises  of  devotion, 
and  in  acts  of  charity,  using  all  godly  conversation. 

CANON  XV. — Ministers  to  keep  a  Register. 

Every  minister  of  this  Church  shall  keep  a  register  of  baptisms,  mar 
riages,  and  funerals  within  his  cure,  agreeably  to  such  rules  as  may  be 
provided  by  the  ecclesiastical  authority  where  his  cure  lies ;  and  if  none 
such  be  provided,  then  in  such  a  manner  as  in  his  discretion  he  shall 
think  best  suited  to  the  uses  of  such  a  register. 

And  the  intention  of  the  register  of  baptisms  is  hereby  declared  to  be, 
as  for  other  good  uses,  so  especially  for  the  proving  of  the  right  of  church 
membership  of  those  who  may  have  been  admitted  into  this  Church  by 
the  holy  ordinance  of  baptism. 

And  further,  every  minister  of  this  Church  shall,  within  a  reasonable 
time  after  the  publication  of  this  Canon,  make  out  and  continue  a  list  of 
all  adult  persons  within  his  cure,  to  remain  for  the  use  of  his  successor, 
to  be  continued  by  him  and  by  every  future  minister  in  the  same  parish. 

And  no  minister  shall  place  on  the  said  list  the  names  of  any  persons 
except  of  those  who,  on  due  enquiry,  he  shall  find  to  have  been  baptised 
in  this  Church ;  or  who,  having  been  otherwise  baptised,  shall  have  been 
received  into  this  Church  either  by  the  holy  rite  of  Confirmation,  or  by 
receiving  the  Holy  Communion,  or  by  some  other  joint  act  of  the  parties 
and  of  a  minister  of  this  Church,  whereby  such  persons  shall  have  attach 
ed  themselves  to  the  same. 

CANON  XVI. — A  List  to    be   made  and  published   of  the 
Ministers  of  this  Church. 

The  secretary  of  the  General  Convention  shall  keep  a  register  of  all  the 
Clergy  of  this  Church,  whose  names  shall  be  delivered  to  him,  in  the  fol 
lowing  manner:  that  is  to  say,  every  Bishop  of  this  Church, — or,  where 
there  is  no  Bishop,  the  Standing  Committee  of  that  diocese  or  district, — 
shall,  at  the  time  of  -everj  General  Convention,  deliver,  or  cause  to  be 


1799.]  APPENDIX.  243 

delivered  to  the  secretary,  a  list  of  the  names  of  all  the  ministers  of  this 
Church  in  their  proper  diocese  or  district,  annexing  the  names  ot  their  re 
spective  cures,  or  of  their  stations  in  any  colleges  or  other  incorporated 
seminaries  of  learning,  or,  in  regard  to  those  who  have  not  any  cures 
or  such  stations,  their  places  of  residence  only.  And  the  said  list  shall, 
from  time  to  time,  be  published  in  the  Journals  of  the  General  Con 
vention. 

And  further,  it  is  recommended  to  the  several  Bishops  of  this  Church, 
and  to  the  several  Standing  Committees,  that,  during  the  intervals  between 
the  meetings  of  the  General  Convention,  they  take  such  means  of  notify 
ing  the  admission  of  ministers  among  them,  as,  in  their  discretion  respec 
tively,  they  shall  think  effectual  to  the  purpose  of  preventing  ignorant  and 
unwary  people  from  being  imposed  on,  by  persons  pretending  to  be  au 
thorised  ministers  of  this  Church. 


CANON  XVII. — Notice  to  be  given  of  the  Induction  and 
Dismission  of  Ministers. 

It  is  hereby  required,  that  on  the  induction  of  a  minister  into  any 
Church  or  parish,  the  parties  shall  deliver,  or  cause  to  be  delivered  to  the 
Bishop,  or  to  the  Standing  Committee  of  the  Diocese  or  district,  notice 
of  the  same  in  the  following  form,  or  to  this  effect: 

We,  the  church  wardens  [or,  in  case  of  an  Assistant  Minister,  We,  the 
rector  and  church  wardens]  do  certify  to  the  Right  Rev.  [naming  the 
Bishop]  that  [naming  the  person)  has  been  duly  chosen  Rector  [or 
Assistant  Minister  as  the  case  may  be]  of  [naming  the  church  or 
churches] . 

Which  certificate  shall  be  signed  with  the  names  of  those  who  certify. 

And  if  the  Bishop,  or  the  Standing  Committee,  be  satisfied  that  the 
person  so  chosen  is  a  qualified  minister  of  this  Church,  he  shall  transmit 
the  said  certificate  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Convention,  who  shall  record  it 
in  a  book  to  be  kept  by  him  for  that  purpose. 

But  if  the  Bishop,  or  the  Standing  Committee,  be  not  satisfied  as 
above,  he  or  they  shall,  at  the  instance  of  the  parties,  proceed  to  enquire 
into  the  sufficiency  of  the  person  so  chosen,  according  to  such  rules  as 
may  be  made  in  the  States  respectively,  and  shall  confirm  or  reject  the 
appointment,  as  the  issue  of  that  enquiry  may  be. 

Passed  Oct.  16th,  1789. 

HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS. 

SAMUEL  SEABURY,  BP.  CONNECT.,  PRES. 
WILLIAM  WHITE,  PENNSYLVANIA, 
Attested:  JOSEPH  CLARKSON,  Secretary. 

HOUSE  OF  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES. 

WILLIAM  SMITH,  PRESIDENT. 
Attested:  FRANCIS  HOPKINSON,  Secretary. 


244  APPENDIX.  [1799 


PASSED  1792. 

I.    Of  Clergymen  claiming  to  be  Ministers  of  this  Church. 

For  a  more  full  accomplishment  of  the  good  purposes  to  be  answered 
by  the  16th  Canon,  enacted  by  the  last  General  Convention,  it  is  hereby 
required,  that  every  Clergyman  claiming  to  be  a  Minister  of  this  Church, 
shall  deliver  in  his  name  to  the  Bishop,  or  if  there  be  no  Bishop,  to  the 
chairman  or  some  member  of  the  Standing  Committee  of  the  Church  in 
the  State  in  which  he  resides,  on  or  before  Easter  Monday,  1793;  or,  if  he 
be  not  within  any  of  the  States  which  have  acceded  to  the  Constitution  of 
this  Church,  then  within  three  months  after  he  shall  come  to  reside  in  any 
of  the  said  States.  And  every  Clergyman,  during  his  neglect  of  confor 
mity  to  this  Canon,  shall  not  be  known  as  a  Clergyman  of  this  Church, 
or  be  admitted  to  minister  in  any  offices  of  the  same. 

II.    Of  a  Clergyman  in  any  Diocese  chargeable  with  Mis 
demeanor  in  any  other. 

If  a  Clergyman  of  the  Church  in  any  diocese  or  district  within  this 
union  shall,  in  any  other  diocese  or  district,  conduct  himself  in  such  a 
way  as  is  contrary  to  the  rules  of  this  Church,  and  disgraceful  to  his 
office,  the  bishop,  or,  if  there  be  no  bishop,  the  Standing  Committee, 
shall  give  notice  thereof  to  the  ecclesiastical  authority  of  the  diocese  or 
district  to  which  such  offender  belongs,  exhibiting,  with  the  information 
given,  the  proofs  of  the  charges  made  against  him. 

III.  Of  publishing  the  sentence  of  degradation  against  a 

Clergyman. 

Whenever  a  Clergyman  shall  be  degraded,  agreeably  to  the  Canons  of 
any  particular  Church  in  the  union,  the  Bishop  who  pronounces  sentence, 
shall,  without  delay,  cause  the  sentence  of  degradation  to  be  published 
from  every  pulpit  where  there  may  be  an  officiating  minister,  throughout 
the  diocese  or  district  in  which  the  degraded  minister  resided  ;  and  also 
shall  give  information  of  the  sentence  to  all  the  Bishops  of  this  Church, 
and,  where  there  is  no  Bishop,  to  the  Standing  Committee. 

IV.  Of  the  Declaration  which  may  be  prefixed  to  certain 

Signatures. 

In  regard  to  the  first  certificate  required  in  favour  of  a  Bishop  elect,  by 
the  2d  Canon  of  the  last  General  Convention,  and  the  certificate  required 
in  favour  of  a  candidate  for  Priest's  or  Deacon's  Orders  by  the  6th  Canon, 
if  there  be  any  members  of  the  bodies  respectively  concerned  who  have 
not  the  requisite  personal  knowledge  of  the  parties,  such  persons  may  pre 
fix  the  following  declaration  to  their  signatures  : 

"  We  believe  the  testimony  contained  in  the  above  Certificate,  and  we 
join  in  the  recommendation  of  A.  B.  to  the  office  of  ...  on  suffi 
cient  evidence  offered  to  us  of  the  facts  set  forth." 


1799.]  APPENDIX.  245 

Provided,  that  in  the  case  of  a  Priest  or  Deacon,  two  at  least  of  the 
Standing  Committee  sign  the  same,  as  being  personally  acquainted  with 
the  candidate. 

V.    Of  the  officiating  of  Strangers. 

No  stranger  shall  be  permitted  to  officiate  in  any  congregation  of  this 
Church,  without  first  producing  the  evidences  of  his  being  a  minister 
thereof  to  the  minister,  or,  in  case  of  vacancy  or  absence,  to  the  church 
wardens,  vestrymen,  or  trustees  of  the  congregation.  And  in  case  any 
person  not  regularly  ordained  shall  assume  the  ministerial  office,  and 
perform  any  of  the  duties  thereof  in  this  Church,  the  minister,  or,  in  case 
of  vacancy  or  absence,  the  church  wardens,  vestrymen,  or  trustees  of  the 
congregation  where  such  offence  may  be  committed,  shall  cause  the  name 
of  such  person,  together  with  the  offence,  to  be  published  in  as  many  of 
the  public  papers  as  may  be  convenient. 

VI.     Of  one  Clergyman  officiating  within  the  Parochial 

Cure  of  another  Clergyman. 
Repealed  by  Canon  V.  of  1795. 

HOUSE  OP  BISHOPS: 

SAMUEL  PROVOOST,  PRESIDENT. 
ATTEST:  L.  CUTTING,  Secretary. 

HOUSE  OF  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES: 

WILLIAM  SMITH,  PRESIDENT. 
ATTEST:  J.  BISSET,  Secretary. 


CANON  I. — Of  Episcopal  Visitation. 

Every  bishop  in  this  Church  shall  visit  the  churches  within  his  diocese 
or  district,  for  the  purposes  of  examining  the  state  of  his  Church,  inspect 
ing  the  behaviour  of  the  Clergy,  and  administering  the  apostolic  rite  of 
Confirmation.  And  it  is  deemed  proper  that  sach  visitations  be  made 
once  in  three  years  at  least,  by  every  bishop  to  every  church  within  his 
diocese  or  district,  which  shall  make  provision  for  defraying  the  necessary 
expenses  of  the  bishop  at  such  visitation.  And  it  is  hereby  declared  to 
be  the  duty  of  the  minister  and  vestry  of  every  church  or  congregation, 
to  make  such  provision  accordingly. 

The  bishop  of  any  diocese  or  State  district  may,  on  the  invitation  of 
the  Convention  or  Standing  Committee  of  the  church  in  any  State  where 
there  is  not  a  bishop,  visit  and  perform  the  episcopal  offices  in  that  State, 
or  part  of  the  State,  as  the  case  may  be,  provision  being  made  for  defraying 
his  expenses  as  aforesaid:  and  such  State,  or  part  of  a  State,  shall  be 


24G  APPENDIX.  [1799. 

considered  as  annexed  to  the  district  or  diocese  of  such  bishop,  until  a 
bishop  is  duly  elected  and  consecrated  for  such  State,  or  until  the  invita 
tion  given  by  the  Convention  or  Standing  Committee  be  revoked.  But  it 
is  to  be  understood,  that  to  enable  the  Bishop  to  make  the  aforesaid  visi 
tations,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  clergy,  in  such  reasonable  rotation  as 
may  be  devised,  to  officiate  for  him  in  any  parochial  duties  which  belong 
to  him.  And  no  State  shall  proceed  to  the  election  or  appointment  of  a 
bishop,  unless  there  be  at  least  six  presbyters  residing  and  officiating 
therein,  a  majority  of  whom,  at  least,  shall  concur  in  such  election.  But 
the  Conventions  of  two  or  more  States,  having  together  nine  or  more  set 
tled  and  officiating  presbyters,  may  associate,  and  join  in  the  election  of  a 
bishop. 

The  Third  Canon  of  the  year  1789  is  hereby  rescinded. 

CANON  II. — Of  the  Testimonials  to  be  produced  on  the  part 
of  those  who  are  to  be  Ordained. 

Every  candidate  for  Holy  Orders  shall  be  recommended  to  the  Bishop 
by  a  Standing  Committee  appointed  by  the  Convention  of  the  church  in 
that  State  wherein  he  resides,  which  recommendation  shall  be  signed  by 
the  names  of  a  majority  of  the  Committee,  and  shall  be  in  the  following 
words : 

We,  whose  names  are  hereunder  written,  testify  that  A.  B.  hath  laid 
before  us  satisfactory  testimonials,  that  for  the  space  of  three  years  last 
past,  he  hath  lived  piously,  soberly,  and  honestly :  and  hath  not  written, 
taught,  or  held,  any  thing  contrary  to  the  doctrine  or  discipline  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church.  And,  moreover,  we  think  him  a  person  worthy 
to  be  admitted  to  the  sacred  order  of  .  .  .  In  witness  whereof  we  have 
hereunto  set  our  hands,  this  .  .  .  day  of  ...  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord 

But  before  a  Standing  Committee  in  any  State  shall  proceed  to  recom 
mend  any  candidate,  as  aforesaid,  to  the  Bishop,  such  candidate  shall 
produce  from  the  minister  and  vestry  of  the  parish  where  he  resides,  or 
from  the  vestry  alone  if  the  parish  be  vacant,  or  if  there  be  no  vestry, 
from  at  least  twelve  respectable  persons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  neighbourhood  in  which  he  resides,  testimonials  of  his 

food  morals  and  orderly  conduct  for  three  years  last  past,  and  that  he 
as  not,  so  far  as  they  know  and  believe,  written,  taught,  or  held  any 
thing  contrary  to  the  doctrine  or  discipline  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church ;  a  publication  of  his  intention  to  apply  for  Holy  Orders  having 
been  previously  made  by  such  minister  or  vestry.  He  shall  also  lay  before 
the  Standing  Committee,  testimonials  to  the  same  effect,  signed  by  at  least 
one  respectable  clergyman  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
United  States,  from  his  personal  knowledge  of  the  candidate  for  at  least 
one  year. 

In  every  State  in  which  there  is  no  Standing  Committee,  such  Com 
mittee  shall  be  appointed  at  its  next  ensuing  Convention;  and  in  the 
mean  time,  every  candidate  for  Holy  Orders  shall  be  recommended  ac 
cording  to  the  regulations  or  usage  of  the  Church  in  each  State,  and 
the  requisitions  of  the  bishop  to  whom  he  applies. 

The  6th  Canon,  passed  in  October,  1789,  concerning  the  testimonials 
to  be  produced  on  the  part  of  those  who  are  to  be  ordained,  and  so  much 


1799.]  APPENDIX.  247 

of  the  4th  Canon  passed  in  1792,  as  relates  to  the  subject  of  this  Canon, 
are  hereby  rescinded. 

CANON  III. — Of  the  Age  of  those  who  are  to  be  Ordained 
or  Consecrated. 

Deacon's  Orders  shall  not  be  conferred  on  any  person  until  he  shall  be 
twenty-one  years  old,  nor  Priest's  Orders  on  any  one  until  he  shall  be 
twenty-four  years  old;  and  unless  he  shall  have  been  a  Deacon  one 
year.  No  man  shall  be  consecrated  a  bishop  of  this  Church  until  he 
shall  be  thirty  years  old. 

The  4th  Canon  of  the  year  1789  is  hereby  rescinded. 

CANON  IV. — Of  the  Learning  of  those  who  are  to  be 
Ordained. 

No  person  shall  be  ordained  in  this  Church  until  he  shall  have  satisfied 
the  Bishop  and  the  two  Presbyters  by  whom  he  shall  be  examined,  that 
he  is  well  acquainted  with  the  Holy  Scriptures,  can  read  the  New  Testa 
ment  in  the  original  Greek,  and  give  an  account  of  his  faith  in  the  Latin 
tongue ;  and  that  he  hath  a  competent  knowledge  of  natural  and  moral 
philosophy  and  church  history,  and  hath  paid  attention  to  composition 
and  pulpit  eloquence  as  means  of  giving  additional  efficacy  to  his  la 
bours;  [unless  the  bishop  shall  judge  it  proper  to  dispense  with  the  above 
requisites  in  part,  in  consideration  of  certain  other  qualifications  in  the 
candidate,  peculiarly  fitting  him  for  the  Gospel  ministry.] 

The  7th  Canon  of  the  year  1789  is  hereby  rescinded. 

N.B.  The  last  clause  of  this  Canon,  marked  thus  [  ],  was  repealed  by 
the  4th  Canon  of  1799. 

CANON  V. — Of  the  Officiating  of  Ministers  of  this  Church  in 
the  Churches  or  within  the  Parochial  Cures  of  other  Cler 
gymen. 

No  clergyman  belonging  to  this  Church  shall  officiate,  either  by  preach 
ing  or  reading  prayers,  in  the  parish,  or  within  the  parochial  cure  of  an 
other  clergyman,  unless  he  have  received  express  permission  for  that  pur 
pose,  from  the  minister  of  the  parish  or  cure,  or  in  his  absence,  from  the 
church  wardens  and  vestrymen,  or  trustees  of  the  congregation.  But  if 
any  minister  of  a  church  shall,  from  inability  or  any  other  cause,  neglect 
to  perform  the  regular  services  to  his  congregation,  and  shall  refuse  his 
consent  to  any  other  minister  of  this  Church  to  officiate  within  his  cure, 
the  church  wardens,  vestrymen,  or  trustees  of  such  congregation  shall,  on 
proof  gf  such  neglect  and  refusal  before  the  bishop  of  the  diocese,  or,  if 
there  be  no  bishop,  before  the  Standing  Committee,  or  before  such  persons 
as  may  be  deputed  by  him  or  them,  or  before  such  persons  as  may  be,  by 
the  regulations  of  this  Church  in  any  State,  vested  with  the  power  of 
hearing  and.  deciding  on  complaints  against  clergymen,  have  power  to 
open  the  doors  of  their  churches  to  any  regular  minister  of  the  Protes 
tant  Episcopal  Church. 

The  6tb  Canon  of  1792  is  hereby  rescinded. 


248  APPENDIX.  [1799. 

CANON  VI. — Of  the  Preparatory  Exercises  of  a  Candidate 
for  the  Ministry. 

Every  candidate  for  the  ministry  shall  give  notice  of  his  intention  to 
the  bishop,  or  to  such  body  as  the  Church  in  the  State  in  which  the  candi 
date  resides,  may  have  appointed  to  superintend  the  instruction  of  candi 
dates  for  Holy  Orders,  at  least  one  year  before  his  ordination.  And  if 
there  be  a  bishop  within  the  State  or  district  where  the  candidate  resides, 
he  shall  apply  to  no  other  bishop  for  ordination,  without  the  permission 
of  the  former.  And  the  said  candidate  shall  pass  through  the  preparatory 
exercises  which  the  bishop,  or  such  body  aforesaid,  may  appoint:  such  as 
composing  of  theses,  homilies  or  sermons,  one  or  more,  to  be  delivered 
either  publicly  or  privately,  in  his  or  their  presence,  at  such  time  or  times 
as  may  be  appointed  by  the  authority  aforesaid. — And  this  Canon  shall  be 
in  force  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  January  next. 

CANON  VII. — For  the  better  accomplishing  of  the  Objects 
of  the  Sixth  Canon  of  1792. 

Whereas  there  is  no  provision  made  in  the  6th  Canon  of  1792,  for  the 
case  of  such  a  vicinity  of  two  or  more  churches,  as  that  there  can  be  no 
local  boundaries  drawn  between  their  respective  cures,  it  is  hereby  ordained 
that,  in  every  such  case,  no  minister  of  this  Church,  other  than  the  pa 
rochial  clergy  of  the  said  cures,  shall  pre.ach  within  the  common  limits  of 
the  same,  in  any  other  place  than  in  one  of  the  churches  thereof,  without 
the  consent  of  the  major  number  of  the  parochial  clergy  of  the  said 
churches. 

CANON  VIII.' — To  prevent  a  Congregation  in  any  Diocese  or 
State  to  unite  with  a  Church  in  any  other  Diocese  or 
State. 

Whereas  a  question  may  arise,  whether  a  congregation  within  the  di 
ocese  of  any  bishop,  or  within  any  State  in  which  there  is  not  yet  any 
bishop  settled,  may  unite  themselves  with  the  Church  in  any  other  dio 
cese  or  State,  it  is  hereby  determined  and  declared,  that  all  such  unions 
shall  be  considered  as  irregular  and  void ;  and  that  every  congregation 
of  this  Church  shall  be  considered  as  belonging  to  the  body  of  the  Church 
of  the  diocese,  or  of  the  State,  within  the  limits  of  which  they  dwell  or  with 
in  which  there  is  seated  a  Church  to  which  they  belong.  And  no  clergy 
man  having  a  parish  or  cure  in  more  than  one  State,  shall  have  a  seat  in 
the  Convention  of  any  State,  other  than  that  in  which  he  resides. 

CANON  IX. — To  empower  the  Bishop  in  each  Diocese  or 
District  to  compose  Forms  of  Prayer  or  Thanksgiving  for 
extraordinary  occasions. 

The  bishop  of  each  diocese  or  district  may  compose  forms  of  prayer  or 
thanksgiving,  as  the  case  may  require,  for  extraordinary  occasions,  and 
transmit  them  to  each  clergyman  within  his  diocese  or  district,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  use  such  forms  in  his  church  on  such  occasions.  And 


1799.]  APPENDIX.  249 

the  Clergy  in  those  States  in  which  there  is  no  Bishop,  may  use  the  forms 
of  prayer  or  thanksgiving  composed  by  the  Bishop  of  any  other  State. 
Done  in  Convention,  and  signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Bishops. 
WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.D.,  PRESIDING  BISHOP. 
WILLIAM  SMITH,  D.D., 
PRESIDENT  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES. 


CLAJVOISTS 

CANON  I. — Of  the  mode  of  calling  Special  Meetings  of  the 
General  Convention. 

The  right  of  calling  special  meetings  of  the  General  Convention  shall 
be  in  the  Bishops.  This  right  shall  be  exercised  by  the  presiding  bishop, 
or,  in  the  case  of  his  death,  by  the  Bishop  who,  according  to  the  rules  of 
the  House  of  Bishops,  is  to  preside  at  the  next  General  Convention ;  pro 
vided  that  the  summons  shall  be  with  the  consent,  or  on  the  requisition  of 
a  majority  of  the  Bishops  expressed  to  him  in  writing. 

The  place  of  holding  any  special  Convention  shall  be  that  fixed  on  by 
the  preceding  General  Convention,  for  the  meeting  of  the  next  General 
Convention,  unless  circumstances,  to  be  judged  of  by  the  Bishops,  shall 
render  a  meeting  at  such  place  unsafe ;  in  which  case,  the  Bishops  shall 
appoint  some  other  place. 

CANON  II. — Of  the  Consecration  of  Bishops  in  the  recess 
of  the  General  Convention. 

If,  during  the  recess  of  the  General  Convention,  the  Church  in  any 
State  should  be  desirous  of  the  consecration  of  a  Bishop,  the  Standing 
Committee  of  the  Church  in  such  State  may,  by  their  president,  or  by  some 
other  person  or  persons  specially  appointed,  communicate  the  desire  to  the 
Standing  Committees  of  the  churches  in  the  different  States,  together 
with  copies  of  the  necessary  testimonials ;  and  if  the  major  number  of 
the  Standing  Committees  shall  consent  to  the  proposed  consecration,  the 
Standing  Committee  of  the  State  concerned  may  communicate  the  evi 
dences  of  such  consent,  together  with  the  other  testimonials,  to  any  three 
Bishops  of  this  Church,  who  may  thereon  proceed  to  the  consecration. 
The  evidences  of  the  consent  of  the  different  Standing  Committees  shall 
be  in  the  form  prescribed  for  the  General  Convention  in  the  2d  Canon 
of  1789.  And  without  the  aforesaid  requisites,  no  consecration  shall 
take  place  during  the  recess  of  the  General  Convention. 

CANON  III. — Explanatory  of  part  of  the  1st  Canon  of 

1795. 

No  clergyman  employed  by  the  year,  or  for  any  limited  time,  shall  be 
considered  as  a  regularly  officiating  and  resident  Minister  of  the  Church 
in  any  State,  for  the  purpose  expressed  in  the  two  concluding  sentences 
of  the  1st  Canon  of  1795,  entitled,  "A  Canon  concerning  Episcopal  Vi 
sitation." 


250  APPENDIX.  [1799. 

CANON  IV. — Repealing  in  part  the  4th  Canon  of  1795,  con 
cerning  the  "Learning  of  those  who  are  to  be  ordained." 

Whereas,  by  the  Canon  of  1795,  entitled  "  Of  the  learning  of  those 
who  are  to  be  ordained,"  a  power  is  vested  in  the  Bishops  of  dispensing 
with  certain  enumerated  requisites  in  part,  which  power  is  not  only  too 
indefinitely  expressed,  but  may  be  abused ;  so  much  therefore  of  the  said 
Canon  as  authorises  Bishops  to  dispense  with  any  of  the  qualifications 
required  in  candidates  for  Holy  Orders,  is  hereby  repealed. 

BY  ORDER  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS: 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.D.,  PRESIDING  BISHOP. 

BY  ORDER  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES: 

WILLIAM  SMITH,  PRESIDENT. 


2E  frager, 


To  be  used  at  the  Meetings  of  the  Convention. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who,  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  didst  preside 
in  the  Council  of  the  blessed  Apostles,  and  hast  promised,  through  thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ,  to  be  with  thy  Church  to  the  end  of  the  world :  We  be 
seech  thee  to  be  present  with  the  Council  of  thy  Church  here  assembled 
in  thy  name  and  presence.  Save  them  from  all  error,  ignorance,  pride, 
and  prejudice;  and  of  thy  great  mercy  vouchsafe,  we  beseech  thee,  so  to 
direct,  sanctify,  and  govern  us  in  our  present  work,  by  the  mighty  power 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  that  the  comfortable  Gospel  of  Christ  may  be  truly 
preached,  truly  received,  and  truly  followed,  in  all  places,  to  the  breaking 
down  the  kingdom  of  sin,  satan,  and  death ;  till  at  length  the  whole  of 
thy  dispersed  sheep,  being  gathered  into  one  fold,  shall  become  partakers 
of  everlasting  life,  through  the  merits  and  death  of  Jesus  Christ  our 
Saviour.  Amen. 


EM  of  lljp 


OF   THE 


PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH, 

In  the  different  States,  1799. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

Rev.  Joseph  Willard,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Portsmouth. 

Rev.  Robert  H.  Fowle,  rector  of church,  Haldernesse. 

Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  Rector  of church,  Clairmont. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  Right  Rev.  Edward  Bass,  D.D.,  Bishop. 

Rev.  W.  W.  Wheeler,  rector  of church,  Scituate. 

Rev.  William  Walter,  D.D.,  rector  of  Christ  Church,  Boston. 
Rev.  Samuel  Parker,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Trinity  church,  Boston. 
Rev.  John  Sylvester  J.  Gardner,  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church, 
Boston. 

Rev.  Nathaniel  Fisher,  rector  of church,  Salem. 

Rev.  William  Harris,  rector  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Marblehead. 

Rev.  Wm.  Montague,  rector  of church,  Deedham. 

Rev.  Daniel  Burhams,  rector  of church,  Lanesborough. 

Rev.  Ezra  Bradlee,  rector  of church,  Barrington. 

Rev.  James  Bowers,  deacon,  Pittston. 

RHODE  ISLAND. 

Rev.  Abraham  Lynsen  Clarke,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Providence. 
Rev.  John  Usher,  rector  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Bristol. 
Rev.  Joseph  Warren,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  North  Kingstown. 
Rev.  Theodore  Dehon,  deacon,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  Newport. 

CONNECTICUT. 

The  Right  Rev.  Abraham  Jarvis,  D.D.,  Bishop. 
Rev.  Jeremiah  Learning,  residing  at  New  Haven. 

(251) 


252  APPENDIX.  [1799. 

CONNECTICUT. 

The  Right  Eev.  Abraham  Jarvis,  D.D.,  Bishop. 
Rev.  Jeremiah  Learning,  residing  at  New  Haven. 

Rev.  John  Bowden,  D.D.,  Principal  of  the  Episcopal  Academy  at  Che 
shire. 
Rev.  Richard  Mansfield,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Christ  Church  at  Derby,  and  of 

the  Churches  of  Oxford  and  Great  Hill. 
Rev.  Bela  Hubbard,  Trinity  church,  New  Haven,  and  Christ  church, 

West  Haven. 
Rev.  John  Tyler,  Christ  church,  Norwich. 

Rev.  Daniel  Fogg,  rector  of church,  Pomphret 

Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D.,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Norwalk. 
Rev.  Philo  Shelton,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  Stratfield,  St.  John's,  Fair- 
field,  and  a  church  in  Weston. 
Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Stratford,  and  Trinity 

church,  Trumbul. 
Rev.  Chauncey  Prindle,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Watertown,   and  St. 

Peter's,  Plymouth. 
Rev.  Reuben  Ives,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Cheshire,  and  the  churches 

at  Hamden  and  Southington. 
Rev.  Tillotson  Brownson,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church  at  Waterbury,  and 

of  the  churches  at  Salem. 
Rev.  Truman  Marsh,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  New  Milford,  and  the 

churches  of  Roxbury  and  New  Preston. 
Rev.  Ambrose  Todd,  rector  of  St.  Andrew's  church,  Symsbury,  and  St. 

Peter's  church,  Granby. 

Rev.  Solomon  Blakesley,  rector  of  St.  Stephen's  church  in  East  Haddam. 
Rev.  Seth  Hart,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Wallingsford,  and  a  church 

in  Berlin. 

Rev.  Charles  Seabury,  rector  of  St.  James's  church,  New  London. 
Rev.  Smith  Miles,  rector  of  the  churches  at  Chatham  &  Middle  Haddam. 
Rev.  David  Butler,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Reading,  and  the  church  at 

Ridgefield. 
Rev.  Alexander  V.  Grisvrold,  rector  of  St.  Matthew's  church,  Bristol,  St. 

Mark's,  Harwington,  and  a  church  in  Northfield. 
Rev.  William  Green,  rector  of  St.  John's,  Seabrook. 
Rev.  Calvin  White,  Deacon,  St.  John's  church,  Stamford,  and  a  church 

at  Horseneck. 

Rev.  Evan  Rogers,  Deacon,  the  churches  of  Hebron  and  Pomphret. 
Rev.  Bethel  Judd,  Deacon. 

NEW  YORK. 

The  Right  Rev.  Samuel  Provoost,  D.D.,  Bishop. 

Rev.  Benjamin  Moore,  D.D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church,  New 
York. 

Rev.  Abraham  Beach,  D.D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church,  New 
York. 

Rev.  John  Bisset,  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church,  New  York. 

Rev.  Thomas  Ellison,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Albany. 

Rev.  Ammi  Rogers,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Battstown,  St.  James's,  Mil 
ton,  St.  John's,  Stillwater,  and  Trinity  church,  Waterford. 

Rev.  Robert.  G.  Wetmore,  rector  of  St.  George's  church,  Schenectady, 
and  Christ  church,  Duanesborough. 


1799.]  APPENDIX.  253 

Rev.  John  Urquhart,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Johnstown,  and 

church,  Fort  Hunter. 

Rev.  Richard  C.  Moore,  rector  of  St.  Andrew's  church,  Staten  Island. 
Rev.  Elias  Cooper,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Philipsburgh. 
Rev.  Theodosius  Bartow,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  New  Rochelle. 
Rev.  Elijah   D.  Rattoone,   rector  of  Grace   church,  Jamaica,  and   St. 

George's,  Flushing. 

Rev.  John  Ireland,  rector  of  St.  Anne's  church,  Brooklyn. 
Rev.  Frederick  Van   Home,  rector  of  St.  Andrew's  church,  in  Ulster 

county. 

Rev.  Amos  Pardee,  rector  of church,  Hampton. 

Rev.  Philander  Chase,  Missionary  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church  in 

the  State  of  New  York. 

Rev.  Samuel  Nesbit,  resident  minister  in  New  York. 
Rev.  John  J.  Sands,  Minister  of  the  churches  in  Islop  and  Brookhaven. 
Rev.  Samuel  Haskill,  rector  of  Christ  church  in  Rye. 
Rev.  Henry  Van  Dyke,  rector  of  St.  James's  church,  Newtown. 
Rev.  Daniel  Nash,  Minister  of  the  churches  in  Otsego. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

Rev.   Charles  H.  Wharton,  D.D.,  rector  of  St.  Mary's   church,   in  Bur 
lington. 

Rev.  Uzal  Ogden,  D.D.,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  Newark. 
Rev.  Henry  Waddell,  rector  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Trenton. 
Rev.  John  Croes,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  Swedesborough. 
Rev.  Menzies  Rayner,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Elizabethtown. 
Rev.  Andrew  Fowler,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Spotswood. 
Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart,  Deacon  of  Christ  church,  New  Brunswick. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  William  White,  D.D.,  Bishop. 

Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D. 

Rev.  Samuel  Magaw,  D.D.,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia. 

Rev.  John  Andrews,  D.D.,  Vice-Provost  of  the  University  of  Pennsyl 
vania. 

Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ  Church  and 
St.  Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Rev.  Joseph  Hutchins,  D.D. 

Rev.  John  Campbell,  rector  of  the  Episcopal  churches  of  York  and  Hun 
tingdon. 

Rev.  Slator  Clay,  rector  of  St.  David's,  Radnor;  St.  Peter's  in  the  Valley, 
and  St.  James's,  Perkiomen. 

Rev.  Joseph  Clarkson,  rector  of  St.  James's,  Lancaster,  and  of  Pequea 
and  Carnarvon,  Lancaster  county. 

Rev.  Robert  Ayres,  rector  of  Emanuel  church  and  St.  Peter's  church,  in 
Washington  and  Fayette  counties. 

Rev.  Francis  Reno,  Westmoreland  county. 

Rev.  Joseph  Turner,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Chester,  and  St.  Mar 
tin  s,  Marcus  Hook. 


254  APPENDIX.  [1799. 

Rev.  Caleb  Hopkins,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Deny  Township,  and  Christ 
church,  Turbut  township,  Northumberland  county. 

Rev.  Thomas  Davis,  Washington  county. 

Rev.  James  Abercrombie,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ  church  and  St. 
Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Rev.  Absalom  Jones  (a  black  man),  Deacon  in  the  African  church  of  St. 
Thomas's,  Philadelphia. 

DELAWARE. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Clay,  Emannel  church,  New  Castle. 
Rev.  Walter  C.  Gardiner,  Christ  church,  Dover. 
Rev.  William  Pryce,  Christ  church,  Kent  county. 
Rev.  James  Wiltbank,  St.  Peter's  church,  Sussex. 

MARYLAND. 

The  Right  Rev.  Thomas  J.  Claggett,  D.D.,  Bishop. 

Rev.  Charles  Smoot,  rector  of  William  and  Mary  parish,  St.  Mary's. 

Rev.  Henry  Lyon  Davis,  St.  Mary's. 

Rev.  John  Weems,  Port  Tobacco,  Charles. 

Rev.  Mr. ,  William  and  Mary,  Charles. 

Rev.  Hatch  Dent,  Trinity,  Charles. 

Rev.  Edward  Grant,  Jun.,  Christ  church,  Calvert. 

Rev.  Nicholas  W.  Lane,  All  Saints,  Calvert. 

Rev.  Francis  Walker,  residing  in  Calvert. 

Rev.  George  Ralph,  rector  of  Queen  Ann's  parish,  St.  George's  county.(l) 

Rev.  John  Mesinger,  St.  John's,  Prince  George's  county. 

Rev.  Andrew  M'Cormick,  Washington,  Prince  George's  county, 

Rev.  Clement  Brook,  residing  in  Prince  George's  county. 

Rev.  Walter  D.  Addison,  residing  in  Prince  George's  county. 

Rev.  John  W.  Compton,  St.  James',  Anne  Arundel. 

Rev.  Ralph  Higinbothom,  St.  Anne's,  Anne  Arundel. 

Rev  Owen  F.  Magrath,  residing  in  Anne  Arundel. 

Rev.  Henry  Moscrop,  residing  in  Anne  Arundel. 

Rev.  Thomas  Read,  Prince  George's,  Montgomery.(l) 

Rev.  William  Swan,  St.  Peter's,  Montgomery. 

Rev.  EJward  Gantt,  residing  in  Montgomery. 

Rev.  George  Bower,  rector  of  All  Saints,  Frederick. 

Rev.  Joseph  G.  J.  Bend,  and  Rev.  John  Ireland,  associate  rectors  of  Sk 

Paul's,  Baltimore. 

Rev.  John  Coleman,  St.  Thomas's,  Baltimore. 
Rev.  John  Allen,  St.  George's,  Harford. 
Rev.  Jeremiah  Cosden,  St.  Stephen's,  Cecil. 
Rev.  George  Dashiell,  Shrewsbury. 
Rev  Archibald  Walker,  D.D.,  Chester,  Kent. 
Rev.  Colin  Ferguson,  D.D.,  residing  in  Kent  county. 
Rev.  William  Duke,  residing  in  Kent. 
Rev.  Samuel  Keene,  D.D.,  St.  Luke's,  Queen  Anne's. 
Rev.  Elisha  Rigg,  St.  Paul's,  Queen  Anne's.  (1) 
Rev.  Joseph  Jackson,  St.  Peter's,  Talbot. 


3799.]  APPENDIX.  255 

Rev.  John  Bowie,  D.D.,  St.  Michael's,  Talbot. 

Rev.  James  Kemp,  Great  Choptank  parish,  Dorchester  county.  (1) 

Rev.  Joshua  Reece,  Stepney,  Somerset. 

Rev.  Thomas  Scott,  Somerset,  Somerset. 

Rev.  Isaac  Foster,  Coventry,  Somerset.  (1) 

Rev.  Samuel  Sloan,  residing  in  Somerset. 

Rev.  David  Ball,  Rector  of  All  Hallows  parish,  Worcester.  (1) 

Rev.  Samuel  Tingeley,  Worcester,  Worcester. 

(1)  Members  of  the  Standing  Committee  this  year. 

VIRGINIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  James  Madison,  D.D.,  Bishop. 
Rev.  Charles  O'Neill,  rector  of  Amherst  parish. 
Rev.  Alexander  Hay,  rector  of  Antrim  parish. 
Rev.  Devereux  Jarratt,  rector  of  Bath  parish. 
Rev.  Samuel  Gray,  Botetourt  parish. 
Rev.  Hugh  Corran  Boggs,  rector  of  Berkeley  parish. 
Rev.  Benjamin  Brown,  rector  of  Brisland  parish. 
Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  rector  of  Bristol  parish. 

Rev.  John  Cameron,  D.D.,  rector  of 

Rev.  Alexander  M'Farland,  rector  of  Brunswick  parish. 

Rev.  Henry  Spiering. 

Rev.  John  Bracken,  D.D.,  rector  of  Bruton  parish. 

Rev.  John  Camm,  rector  of  Charles  parish. 

Rev.  Henry  Heffernen,  Christ  church. 

Rev.  James  Elliott,  rector  of  Cople  parish. 

Rev.  Needier  Robinson,  rector  of  Dale  parish. 

Rev.  Spence  Grayson,  rector  of  Dettingen  parish. 

Rev.  Jesse  Carter,  rector  of  Drysdale  parish. 

Rev.  Daniel  M'Naughton,  Christ  church. 

Rev.  John  J.  Spoon er,  Elizabeth  city  parish. 

Rev.  James  Whitehead,  rector  of  Elizabeth  river  parish. 

Rev.  Thomas  Davis,  Fairfax  parish. 

Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  rector  of  Frederick  parish. 

Rev.  John  V.  Weylie,  Lecturer,  Frederick. 

Rev.  Matthew  Maury,  rector  of  Fredericksville  parish. 

Rev.  James  Craig,  rector  of  Hamilton  parish. 

Rev.  John  Buchanan,  D.D.,  rector  of  Henrico  parish. 

Rev.  Samuel  S.  M'Croskey,  D.D.,  rector  of  Hangars  parish. 

Rev.  James  Thompson,  rector  of  Leeds  parish. 

Rev.  Charles  Crawford,  rector  of  Lexington  parish. 

Rev.  William  Crawford,  Lexington  parish. 

Rev.  James  Dickinson,  Littleton. 

Rev.  George  Young,  Lunenburg. 

Rev.  Anthony  Walke,  rector  of  Lynhaven  parish. 

Rev.  John  Dunn,  Manchester. 

Rev.  William  Hubard,  rector  of  Newport  parish. 

Rev.  Jacob  Keeling,  Nansemond. 

Rev.  Robert  Buchan,  rector  of  Overwharton  parish. 

Rev.  Arthur  Emerson,  rector  of  Portsmouth  parish. 

Rev.  John  Brunskill,  rector  of  Raleigh  parish. 

Rev.  Alexander  Lundie,  rector  of  St.  Andrew's  parish. 

Rev.  John  Matthews,  St.  Bride's  parish. 


256  APPENDIX.  [1799. 

Rev.  Reuben  Clopton, 

Rev.  Cave  Jones,  St.  George's  parish. 

Rev.  James  Stevenson,  rector  of  St.  George's  parish. 

Rev.  Charles  Hopkins,  rector  of  St.  James,  Northam  parish. 

Rev.  James  Price,  rector  of  St.  John's  parish. 

Rev.  Thomas  Hughes,  rector  of  St.  David's. 

Rev.  Archibald  Dick,  rector  of  St.  Margaret's  parish. 

Rev.  John  Woodville,  St.  Mark's  parish. 

Rev.  Abner  Waugh,  rector  of  St.  Mary's  parish. 

Rev.  William  Stewart,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  parish. 

Rev.  John  Parsons, . 

Rev.  John  Seward,  St.  Stephen's  parish. 

Rev.  John  Hyde  Saunders,  rector  of  Southam  parish. 

Rev.  Samuel  Butler,  rector  of  Southwark  parish. 

Rev.  Samuel  Chapin,  rector  of  Westover  parish. 

Rev.  James  Evans,  Yorkhampton. 

Rev.  John  O'Donnel,  rector  of  Hampshire  parish. 

Rev.  Lee  Massey,  rector  of  Truro  parish. 

Rev.  Armistead  Smith,  Matthews. 

Rev.  John  C.  Brockenboroug,  Washington. 

Rev.  Duncan  M'Naughton,  Wicomico. 

Rev.  Joseph  Wilson  : 

Rev.  Stephen  Johnson : 

Rev.  John  Wade: 

Rev.  Cornelius  Carvert — Cures  not  known. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 
The  Right  Rev.  Robert  Smith,  D.D.,  Bishop. 
Rev.  Thomas  Frost,  St.  Philip's. 

Rev.  Hev.  Henry  Purcell,  D.D.,  St.  Michael's,  Charleston. 
Rev.  Edward  Jenkins,  St.  Michael's,  Charleston. 

Rev.  Milwood  Pogson,  St.  James's,  Goose  Creek,  St.  George's,  Dorchester. 
Rev.  Peter  M.  Parker,  St.  John's,  Berkley. 
Rev.  John  Thompson,  St.  Thomas's. 

Rev.  Thomas  Mills,  St.  Andrew's,  James'  Island,  St.  Andrew's,  Main. 
Rev.  Edmund  Matthews,  St.  John's,  Edisto. 
Rev.  Mr.  Nixon,  St.  Bartholomew's. 
Rev.  Thomas  D.  Bladen,  St.  James',  Santee. 
Rev.  James  Connor,  St.  Stephen's. 
Rev.  George  H.  Spierin,  Prince  George's. 
Rev.  John  O'Donnel,  All  Saints. 
Rev.  Hugh  Frazier,  Prince  Frederick's. 

Residents  in  the  State  without  cures : 
Rev.  Dr.  Gates. 

Rev.  Mr.  Cotton,  Teacher  in  Charleston  College. 
Rev.  Mr.  M'Culley,  Master  of  an  Academy,  Beaufort. 
Rev.  Mr.  Blackwall. 
Rev.  Mr.  Best,  Master  of  an  Academy,  Charleston. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS 


OF   THE 


BISHOPS,  CLERGY,  AND  LAITY 


OF  THE 


(Ipisrojm!  (Jljiirrlj 


IN 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA, 


A  CONVENTION 


HELD   IK 


THE  CITY  OF  TKENTON,  IN  NEW  JERSEY,  FROM  TUESDAY, 
SEPTEMBER  8,  TO  SATURDAY,  SEPTEMBER  12,  1801. 
VOL.  I.— 17  (257) 


LIST  OF  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF 
CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES. 


FROM  THE  STATE  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 
Rev.  Samuel  Parker,  D.D. 
Rev.  William  Harris. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  CONNECTICUT. 
Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin. 
Rev.  Philo  Shelton. 
Rev.  Evan  Rogers. 
James  Clark,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  YORK. 
Rev  Abraham  Beach,  D.D. 
Rev.  Isaac  Wilkins. 
Rev.  John  Ireland. 
Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart. 
John  Read,  Esq. 
William  Ogden,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  JERSEY. 
Rev.  Uzal  Ogden,  D.D. 
Rev.  Charles  H.  Wharton,  D.D. 
Colonel  Samuel  Ogden. 
Matthias  Williamson,  Jun.,  Esq. 
John  Dennis,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 
Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D. 
Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.D. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  DELAWARE. 
Rev.  Robert  Clay. 
Rev.  William  Pryce. 
Joseph  Burn,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  MARYLAND. 
Rev.  James  Kemp. 
Rev.  Joseph  G.  J.  Bend. 
Rev.  John  Coleman. 
Rev.  George  Dashiell. 
David  Kerr,  Esq. 
William  Helmsley,  Esq. 

(259) 


JOURNAL 


OF   THE 


of  (jlpriral  anb  Hag 


TRENTON,  STATE  OF  NEW  JERSEY, 
ST.  MICHAEL'S  CHURCH,  Sept.  8,  1801. 

SUFFICIENT  number  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  to 
form  a  quorum  not  appearing,  the  members  present 
adjourned  to  meet  at  the  Church  to-morrow  morning 
at  9  o'clock. 


WEDNESDAY,  Sept.  9, 1801. 

The  house  met,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ireland  read  prayers. 

The  members  then  adjourned  to  the  State  House,  when  a 
sufficient  number  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  to  form  a 
house  appearing,  and  a  quorum  being  formed,  the  house  pro 
ceeded  to  the  appointment,  by  ballot,  of  a  President,  and  a 
majority  of  votes  was  found  for  the  Rev.  Abraham  Beach, 
D.D.  The  Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin  was  appointed  Secretary 
and  Chaplain  to  the  Convention. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker  and  William  Ogden, 
Esq.,  inform  the  House  of  Bishops,  that  the  House  of  Cleri 
cal  and  Lay  Deputies  is  formed  and  ready  to  proceed  to 
business. 

Resolved, — That  the  rules  of  order  established  by  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  of  the  three  preceding 
Conventions,  be  adopted  by  this  house. 

(261) 


262      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1801. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Parker,  D.D.,  and  the  Rev.  William 
Harris,  Clerical  deputies  from  Massachusetts ;  the  Rev.  Ash- 
hel  Baldwin,  Rev.  Philo  Shelton,  and  Rev.  Evan  Rogers, 
Clerical  deputies,  and  James  Clarke,  Esq.,  Lay  deputy  from 
Connecticut;  the  Rev.  Abraham  Beach,  D.D.,  Rev.  Isaac 
Wilkins,  Rev.  John  Ireland,  and  Rev  John  Henry  Hobart, 
Clerical  deputies,  and  John  Read  and  William  Ogden,  Esqs., 
Lay  deputies  from  New  York;  the  Rev.  Uzal  Ogden,  D.D., 
Clerical  deputy,  and  Col.  Samuel  Ogden  and  John  Dennis, 
Esq.,  Lay  deputies  from  New  Jersey;  the  Rev.  William 
Smith,  D.D.,  and  Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.D.,  Clerical 
deputies  from  Pennsylvania ;  the  Rev.  James  Kemp,  Clerical 
deputy,  and  David  Kerr,  Esq.,  Lay  deputy  from  Maryland, 
delivered  in,  at  the  Secretary's  table,  certificates  of  their  ap 
pointment,  which  were  read,  and  determined  to  be  satis 
factory. 

Dr.  Parker  proposed  the  following  resolution,  which  was 
adopted,  viz.,  That  during  the  Session  of  the  present  Con 
vention,  they  shall  meet  each  day  at  9  o'clock,  A.M.,  and  ad 
journ  at  1  o'clock  P.M.,  and  meet  again  at  4  o'clock,  P.M. 

Dr.  Parker  was  requested  by  this  house  to  give  information 
to  the  House  of  Bishops  of  the  foregoing  resolution,  who  re 
ported  that  they  acceded  to  the  same. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Beach  presented  the  testimonial  required  by 
the  Canons,  from  the  State  Convention  of  New  York,  in  fa 
vour  of  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Moore,  D.D.,  the  Bishop  elect  of 
that  State. 

On  motion,  the  following  message  was  sent  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Hobart  to  the  House  of  Bishops:  "The  House  of  Cleri 
cal  and  Lay  Deputies  wish  to  know  from  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  whether  they  have  received  any  communication  from 
Bishop  Provoost,  on  the  subject  of  his  resignation  of  his 
Episcopal  jurisdiction  in  the  State  of  New  York." 

A  communication  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops, 
on  the  subject  of  the  foregoing  message  from  this  house. 

The  house  then  proceeded  to  sign  the  testimonial  required 
by  the  Canons  in  favour  of  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Moore,  D.D., 
Bishop  elect  of  the  State  of  New  York;  which,  together 
with  the  testimonial  from  the  State  Convention  of  New  York, 
was  ordered  to  be  presented  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  house  then  adjourned  until  4  o'clock. 


1801.]   JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      263 

WEDNESDAY,  4  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  house  met. 

The  Rev.  Charles  H.  Wharton,  D.D.,  Clerical  deputy  from 
the  State  of  New  Jersey,  and  the  Rev.  Joseph  G.  J.  Bend,  a 
Clerical  deputy  from  the  State  of  Maryland,  presented  their 
testimonials,  which  were  approved,  and  they  took  their  seats 
accordingly. 

Resolved, — That  the  proceedings  of  this  house  shall  be 
read  at  the  opening  of  the  house  every  morning. 

The  question  being  called  for  upon  the  alteration  of  the 
first  Article  of  the  Constitution,  as  proposed  by  the  last 
General  Convention;  and  the  votes  being  taken  by  States, 
it  was  negatived. 

The  house  then  adjourned  until  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


THURSDAY  MORNING,  Sept.  10. 

The  house  met  according  to  adjournment,  and  the  Chaplain 
read  prayers. 

Matthias  Williamson,  Jun.,  Esq.,  Lay  deputy  from  the 
State  of  New  Jersey;  the  Rev.  Robert  Clay  and  the  Rev. 
William  Price,  Clerical  deputies,  and  Joseph  Burn,  Esq.,  Lay 
deputy  from  the  State  of  Delaware ;  the  Rev.  John  Coleman 
and  Rev.  George  Dashiell,  Clerical  Deputies,  and  William 
Helmsley,  Esq.,  a  Lay  deputy  from  the  State  of  Maryland, 
presented  their  testimonials,  which  were  read  and  approved, 
and  they  took  their  seats  accordingly. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
forming  this  house  that  they  had  read  and  approved  the  tes 
timonials  in  favour  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Benjamin  Moore,  Bishop 
elect  of  the  State  of  New  York,  and  had  appointed  to-mor 
row  morning,  10  o'clock,  for  his  consecration. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bend  inform  the 
House  of  Bishops,  that  this  house  will  attend  the  consecra 
tion  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore  at  the  appointed  time. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton,  Resolved, — That 
the  following  addition  be  made  to  the  4th  Canon  of  1799, 
viz.,  "  Unless  when  such  candidate  come  recommended  by 
the  General  Convention." 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton  was  requested  to  carry  the  fore 
going  resolution  to  the  House  of  Bishops  for  their  concur 
rence. 


264      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1801. 

The  following  resolution  was  moved  by  Mr.  Kerr. 

Whereas  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  of  the 
General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  held 
at  Philadelphia  in  June,  1799,  resolved  that  all  proceedings  re 
specting  the  consecration  of  the  Rev.  Uzal  Ogden,  D.D., 
ought  to  be  suspended  until  a  future  Convention  of  the  State 
of  New  Jersey  shall  declare  their  sense  of  the  subject; 

Resolved, — That  the  proceedings  and  declaration  of  the 
State  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  New 
Jersey,  on  the  subject  to  them  referred,  be  read,  and  that 
the  testimonials  of  this  house,  requisite  on  such  occasions,  be 
given  by  this  house. 

The  proceedings  of  the  State  Convention  of  the  Protest 
ant  Episcopal  Church  in  New  Jersey,  respecting  the  election 
of  Dr.  Ogden  as  Bishop  for  that  State,  were  accordingly  read 
and  fully  considered;  and  the  question  upon  signing  the  re 
quisite  testimonial  being  taken  by  States,  it  was  negatived. 

Adjourned  to  4  o'clock  this  evening. 

THURSDAY,  4  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  house  met. 

A  communication  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  respecting 
the  Articles  of  religion,  was  read; 

And,  on  motion,  a  Committee,  consisting  of  a  Clerical 
member  from  each  State,  viz.,  Dr.  Parker,  Mr.  Baldwin, 
Mr.  Wilkins,  Dr.  Ogden,  Dr.  Smith,  Mr.  Clay,  and  Mr. 
Kemp,  were  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  forego 
ing  communication  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  and  were  or 
dered  to  report  to  this  house  to-morrow. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  disa 
greeing  to  the  resolution  of  this  house,  making  an  addition 
to  the  fourth  Canon  of  1799,  and  proposing  instead  thereof, 
that  the  fourth  Canon  of  1795  be  revived,  with  the  following 
addition,  viz.,  "  In  which  case  the  "Bishop  shall  record  the 
reasons  of  the  aforesaid  dispensation ;  and  the  reasons  so  re 
corded  shall  be  liable  to  be  called  for  at  any  meeting  of  the 
State  Convention,  and  if  said  Convention  think  proper,  shall 
be  entered  on  their  Journals" — the  fourth  Canon  of  1799  to 
be  repealed. 

This  house  disagreed  to  the  proposed  substitute  from  the 
House  of  Bishops  to  their  resolution,  and  requested  a  con 
ference.  Dr.  Parker,  Rev.  Mr.  Wilkins,  and  Rev.Mr.  Kemp, 
were  appointed  a  Committee  on  the  part  of  this  house;  and 


1801.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     265 

the  Rev.  Mr.  Hobart  was  requested  to  inform  the  House  of 
Bishops  thereof. 

The  following  resolution  was  received  from  the  House  of 
Bishops,  and  agreed  to  by  this  house,  viz. 

Resolved, — That  it  be  made  known  to  the  State  Conven 
tions,  that  it  is  proposed  to  consider  and  determine,  in  the 
next  General  Convention,  on  the  following  alteration  of  the 
first  Article  of  the  Constitution,  viz. 

"  Article  I.  There  shall  be  a  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  Amer 
ica,  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  May,  1808,  and  on  the  third 
Tuesday  of  May  every  third  year  afterwards,"  etc.  as  before. 

A  proposed  Canon  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  respecting  those  persons  who  shall  discontinue,  without 
lawful  cause,  all  exercise  of  the  ministerial  office ;  which  was 
considered  by  this  house,  and  agreed  to. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  following  clause  be  added 
to  the  sixth  rule  of  order — "without  the  consent  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  house." 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Kerr,  Resolved, — That  the  Presiding 
Bishop  in  the  House  of  Bishops  be  requested  to  appoint  a 
clergyman  of  this  house  to  perform  divine  service,  and  preach 
a  sermon  every  evening  during  the  present  Session. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bend,  Resolved, — That  it  be 
recommended  to  the  several  State  Conventions  of  this  Church 
to  cause  as  great  a  number  as  possible  of  the  Constitution 
and  Canons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Uni 
ted  States,  and  of  the  Constitutions  and  Canons  of  their  re 
spective  churches,  to  be  printed  and  distributed  among  their 
respective  congregations. 

The  foregoing  resolution  was  transmitted  to  the  House  of 
Bishops,  and  a  message  was  received  from  them,  informing 
this  house  that  they  had  concurred  in  the  same. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Rogers,  from  Connecticut,  asked  leave  of 
absence  during  the  remainder  of  the  Session,  which  was 
granted. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Ireland,  from  the  State  of  New  York,  asked 
leave  of  absence  during  the  remainder  of  the  session;  granted. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


FRIDAY,  Sept.  11. 
The  House  met,  and  the  Chaplain  read  prayers. 


266      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1801. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Harris,  from  Massachusetts,  asked  leave  of 
absence  during  the  remainder  of  the  Session,  which  was 
granted.  » 

The  house  then  adjourned  to  attend  divine  service  at  St. 
Michael's  Church,  Trenton,  on  occasion  of  the  consecration 
of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  Bishop  elect  of  the  church  in  New 
York. 

After  divine  service,  the  house  met  at  4  o'clock,  P.M. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be 
presented  to  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White,  for  his  Sermon 
delivered  this  day,  at  the  consecration  of  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Moore,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy  of  the 
same  for  publication. 

A  proposed  Canon  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  limiting  the  operation  of  the  4th  Canon  of  1795. 

The  foregoing  Canon  was  adopted  with  an  amendment. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Parker,  Rev.  Mr.  Shelton,  and  James  Clark, 
Esq.,  were  appointed  a  Committee  to  consider  certain  me 
morials  presented  to  this  house  from  Churches  in  New  Hamp 
shire  and  Vermont,  and  to  report  thereon. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  communication 
from  the  House  of  Bishops,  respecting  the  Articles  of  relig 
ion,  made  a  report,  which  was  unanimously  adopted,  and 
sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops  for  their  concurrence. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Wilkins  presented  the  following  proposed 
Canon. 

"  No  Lay  deputy  shall  be  admitted  as  a  member  of  this 
house,  who  shall  not  have  beSn  a  communicant  of  the  Pro 
testant  Episcopal  Church  for  at  least  one  year  previous  to  his 
appointment." 

The  question  was  taken  by  States  on  the  foregoing  Canon, 
and  the  Yeas  and  Nays  were  as  follows: 

CLERGY — Massachusetts,  No;  Connecticut,  Yea;  New 
York,  Yea;  New  Jersey,  No;  Pennsylvania,  No;  Dela 
ware,  No;  Maryland,  No. 

LAITY — Connecticut,  No;  New  York,  Yea;  Delaware,  No; 
Maryland,  No. 

So  it  was  determined  in  the  negative. 

Resolved, — That  the  Secretaries  of  the  former  Conventions 
and  the  Secretaries  of  the  present  Convention,  be  requested 
to  transmit  all  the  papers  to  the  Committee  who  were  ap 
pointed  for  the  purpose  of  arranging  and  recording  the  Jour 
nals  of  the  General  Convention ;  and  when  these  papers  are 


1801.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     267 

recorded,  they  shall  be  deposited  with  the  Bishop  of  this 
Church  in  Pennsylvania,  to  be  transmitted  to  the  next  Gen 
eral  Convention. 

The  House  of  Bishops  informed  this  house,  that  they  had 
concurred  in  the  amendment  proposed  by  this  house,  to  the 
proposed  Canon  limiting  the  operation  of  the  4th  Canon  of 
1795. 

Adjourned  to  8  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


SATURDAY,  8  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  the  Chaplain  read  prayers. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  memorials  from 
certain  churches  in  New  Hampshire  and  Vermont,  made  the 
following  report,  which  was  read,  and  unanimously  adopted, 
viz.: 

REPORT  OF  THE  COMMITTEE. 

It  appears  from  the  memorials  of  certain  churches  in  the  western  part 
of  the  state  of  New  Hampshire,  and  the  eastern  part  of  the  state  of 
Vermont,  that,  having  agreed  to  and  adopted  the  General  Constitution  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States,  they  are  desirous 
of  forming  a  junction,  and  uniting  themselves,  for  the  purpose  of  holding 
Conventions,  and  effecting  a  due  organization  of  their  churches ;  and,  on 
account  of  the  impracticability  of  joining  with  the  other  churches  in  said 
respective  states,  they  are  desirous  of  being  considered  as  a  separate  dis 
trict.  Your  Committee  are  of  opinion,  that  the  8th  Canon  of  1795  mili 
tates  against  the  wishes  of  said  memorialists,  but  that  their  local  situa 
tion  requires  a  dispensation  from  the  operation  of  said  Canon,  more  es 
pecially  as  many  valuable  tracts  of  land  have  been  granted  to  the  Epis 
copal  Church  in  those  towns,  and  others  in  the  vicinity,  which  land  re 
quires  the  attention  of  a  duly  organized  Churoh  for  its  preservation  and 
improvement.  Your  Committee  are  therefore  of  opinion,  that,  from  their 
peculiar  circumstances,  they  ought  to  be  allowed  to  put  themselves  under 
the  jurisdiction  of  a  Bishop  of  one  of  the  neighbouring  states,  until  a 
Bishop  shall  be  duly  consecrated  and  settled  in  said  states,  as  the  only 
measure  that  can  relieve  them  under  their  peculiar  situation  and  cir 
cumstances.  Signed  by  order, 

S.  PARKER. 

The  above  report  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  and 
returned  with  their  concurrence. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Hobart  proposed  a  Canon,  prescribing  the 
mode  of  publishing  authorized  editions  of  the  Common 
Prayer  Book,  etc.,  which  was  read  and  adopted,  and  sent  to 
the  House  of  Bishops. 


268      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1801. 

The  House  of  Bishops  returned  the  foregoing  Canon,  with 
an  amendment,  in  which  this  house  concurred. 

The  House  of  Bishops  also  returned  to  this  house  the  re 
solution  respecting  the  Articles  of  religion,  with  amend 
ments,  which  were  read  and  adopted. 

[For  this  resolution  respecting  Articles  of  religion,  as 
agreed  to  by  the  House  of  Bishops  and  the  House  of  Cleri 
cal  and  Lay  Deputies,  see  Appendix.] 

This  house  adopted,  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  a 
resolution  respecting  certain  spurious  editions  of  the  Book 
of  Common  Prayer. 

The  House  of  Bishops  informed  this  house,  that  they  dis 
agreed  to  the  above  named  resolution,  and  proposed  another 
as  a  substitute,  which  was  adopted  by  this  house. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  proposed  a  Canon,  making  an  addi 
tion  to  the  1st  Canon  of  1795,  of  Episcopal  visitation;  which 
was  read  and  adopted,  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  House  of  Bishops  informed  this  house,  that  they  con 
curred  in  the  foregoing  Canon. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bend,  Resolved, — That  the 
House  of  Bishops  be  requested  to  consider  of  and  establish 
a  course  of  theological  studies,  proper  for  Candidates  for 
Holy  Orders,  and  to  report  the  same  to  the  next  General 
Convention. 

The  House  of  Bishops  concurred  in  the  foregoing  resolu 
tion. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bend,  Rev. 
Mr.  Ireland  (of  Baltimore),  Rev.  Mr.  Kemp,  Rev.  Mr.  Cole- 
man,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Dashiell,  be  appointed  a  Committee  to  re 
port  to  this  House,  at  the  next  General  Convention,  such  ad 
ditional  hymns  as  they  shall  think  are  adapted  to  Christian 
worship. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Beach,  Rev. 
Mr.  Hobart,  with  the  Secretary  of  this  house,  be  a  Committee 
on  the  part  of  this  house,  to  revise  and  publish  the  Journals, 
etc.,  of  this  Convention,  and  also  to  superintend  the  printing 
of  Bishop  White's  Sermon,  delivered  before  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  that  500  copies  of  the  Journals,  and  the  same 
number  of  the  Sermon,  be  printed. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  next  meeting  of  the  Gen 
eral  Convention  be  held  in  the  city  of  New  York. 

The  House  of  Bishops  concurred  in  the  foregoing  resolu 
tion. 


1801.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      269 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore 
be  requested  to  preach  a  Sermon  at  the  opening  of  the  next 
General  Convention ;  and  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hobart  inform 
the  House  of  Bishops  of  the  foregoing  resolution,  and  that 
this  house  is  ready  to  adjourn. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Waddell,  Se 
cretary  of  the  House  of  Bishops,  be  requested  to  return  the 
thanks  of  this  Convention  to  the  Governor,  for  the  use  of  the 
rooms  in  the  State  House. 

Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be  given  to  their 
President,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Beach,  and  to  their  Secretary  and 
Chaplain,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Baldwin,  for  their  attention  and  ser 
vices. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Hobart  reported,  that  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Moore  would  comply  with  the  request  of  this  house,  to  preach 
a  Sermon  at  the  opening  of  the  next  General  Convention; 
and  that  the  House  of  Bishops,  having  no  further  communi 
cations  to  make,  concurred  in  the  resolution  of  adjournment. 

The  house  adjourned  sine  die. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties. 

ABRAHAM  BEACH,  PRESIDENT. 

ASHBEL  BALDWIN,  Secretary. 


JOURNAL 


OF   THE 


IJOUSP  of 


TRENTON,  STATE  OF  NEW  JEESEY, 
l(f  •  ST.  MICHAEL'S  CHURCH,  Sept.  8,  1801. 

'Ml9*''    being  the  day  of  the  Meeting  of  the  General 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 
the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White,  of  Pennsylvania, 
appeared,  and  appointed  to  meet  to-morrow,  at  9  o'clock. 


WEDNESDAY,  Sept.  9,  1801. 

Present  as  before,  together  with  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Claggett,  of  Maryland,  and  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Jarvis, 
of  Connecticut. 

The  house  attended  divine  service  with  the  House  of  Cle 
rical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

His  Excellency  the  Governor  having  granted  permission 
to  the  Convention  to  meet  in  the  State  House, 

Resolved, — That  this  house  do  adjourn  to  meet  immedi 
ately  in  the  Council  Chamber  of  the  same. 

The  house  met  at  the  State  House. 

Some  doubt  arising  in  regard  to  the  meaning  of  the  rule 
of  this  house,  in  the  year  1792  substituted  in  the  place  of 
the  1st  rule  of  this  house  in  1789,  Resolved, — That  until  the 
same  shall  be  considered  and  explained  by  this  house, 
the  Right.  Rev.  Bishop  White  be  requested  to  preside  at  the 
present  Session. 

(271) 


272  JOURNAL  OP  THE   GENERAL  CONVENTION.        [1801. 

The  Rev.  Henry  Waddell  was  appointed  Secretary  of  this 
house. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kemp,  informing  this  house 
that  they  were  organized,  and  ready  to  proceed  to  business. 
This  house  informed  them  that  they  were  ready  for  the  same. 

A  letter  was  laid  before  this  house  from  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Provoost,  addressed  to  Bishop  White,  as  follows : 

NEW  YORK,  SEPT.  7,  1801. 
Right  rev.  and  dear  sir: 

I  think  it  my  duty  to  request  that,  as  President  of  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  you  will  inform  that  venerable  body,  that,  induced  by  ill  health,  and 
some  melancholy  occurrences  in  my  family,  and  an  ardent  wish  to  retire 
from  all  public  employment,  I  resigned,  at  the  last  meeting  of  our  Church 
Convention,  my  jurisdiction  as  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  state  of  New  York. 

I  am,  with  great  regard,  dear  and  right  rev.  sir, 

Your  affectionate  brother, 

SAMUEL  PROVOOST. 
Right  Rev.  Bishop  White. 

A  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu 
ties  was  read,  as  follows :  —  "  The  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies  wish  to  know  from  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  whether  they  have  received  any  communication  from 
Bishop  Provoost,  on  the  subject  of  the  resignation  of  his 
Episcopal  jurisdiction  in  the  State  of  New  York." 

The  House  of  Bishops  having  considered  the  subject 
brought  before  them  by  the  letter  of  Bishop  Provoost,  and 
by  the  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu 
ties,  touching  the  same,  can  see  no  grounds  on  which  to  be 
lieve,  that  the  contemplated  resignation  is  consistent  with  ec 
clesiastical  order,  or  with  the  practice  of  Episcopal  churches 
in  any  ages,  or  with  the  tenor  of  the  Office  of  Consecration. 
Accordingly,  while  they  sympathize  most  tenderly  with  theii 
brother  Bishop  Provoost,  on  account  of  that  ill  health,  and 
those  melancholy  occurrences  which  have  led  to  the  design 
in  question,  they  judge  it  to  be  inconsistent  with  the  sacred 
trust  committed  to  them,  to  recognize  the  Bishop's  act  as  an 
effectual  resignation  of  his  Episcopal  jurisdiction.  Never 
theless,  being  sensible  of  the  present  exigencies  of  the  church 
of  New  York,  and  approving  of  their  making  provision  for 
the  actual  discharge  of  the  duties  of  the  Episcopacy,  the 


1801.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      273 

Bishops  of  this  house  are  ready  to  consecrate  to  the  Office  of 
a  Bishop,  any  person  who  may  be  presented  to  them  with  the 
requisite  testimonials  from  the  General  and  State  Conven 
tions,  and  of  whose  religious,  moral,  and  literary  character, 
due  satisfaction  may  be  given.  But  this  house  must  be  un 
derstood  to  be  explicit  in  their  declaration,  that  they  shall 
consider  such  a  person  as  assistant  or  co-adjutor  Bishop  dur 
ing  Bishop  Provoost's  life,  although  competent,  in  point  of 
character,  to  all  the  Episcopal  duties;  the  extent  in  which 
the  same  shall  be  discharged  by  him,  to  be  dependent  on  such 
regulations  as  expediency  may  dictate  to  the  Church  in  New 
York,  grounded  on  the  indisposition  of  Bishop  Provoost,  and 
with  his  concurrence. 

The  Secretary  not  being  present,  Bishop  Jarvis  is  request 
ed  to  deliver  the  above  as  a  message  to  the  House  of  Cleri 
cal  and  Lay  Deputies,  and  to  furnish  that  house  with  a  copy 
of  Bishop  Provoost's  letter. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker,  informing  that  the 
meetings  of  that  house,  during  the  session,  are  appointed  to 
be  at  9  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  and  at  4  in  the  afternoon. 

This  house  agreed  on  the  same  hours,  and  informed  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  thereof,  by  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Parker. 

Adjourned  to  4  o'clock,  P.M. 

WEDNESDAY,  4  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 

The  Rev.  Henry  Waddell  took  his  place  as  Secretary  to 
this  house. 

The  house  agreed  on  a  form  and  manner  of  setting  forth 
the  Articles  of  religion,  and  agreed  that  the  same  be  sent  to 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  for  their  concur- 
vence;  which  was  done  accordingly. 

The  house  then  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


THURSDAY,  Sept.  10,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 
The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 
The  testimonial  from  the  Convention  of  the  Church  in  the 
State  of  New  York,  in  favour  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Benj.  Moore, 
VOL.  I.— 18 


274      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1801. 

as  Bishop  elect  of  the  Church  in  that  State ;  and  also  the 
testimonial  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies, 
now  sitting,  in  favour  of  the  said  Dr.  Moore;  being  received 
and  read,  and  found  agreeable  to  the  prescribed  forms ; 

Resolved, — That  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies 
be  informed  that  the  Bishops  now  present  are  ready  to  pro 
ceed  to  the  consecration  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  to-morrow 
morning  at  10  o'clock. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  informed  this 
house  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bend,  that  they  will  attend  the  conse 
cration  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore  at  the  time  appointed. 

This  house  received,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bend,  a  message,  as 
follows. 

"  The  question  being  taken  in  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  upon  the  following  alteration  in  the  1st  Arti 
cle  of  the  Constitution,  viz.,  '  ART.  I.  There  shall  be  a  Gen 
eral  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  May,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  1805,  and  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  May 
in  every  fifth  year  afterwards,'  etc.  And  the  votes  being 
taken,  it  was  determined  in  the  negative." 

This  house  Resolved, — That  it  be  proposed  to  the  House 
of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  to  propose  to  the  next  Gen 
eral  Convention,  that  the  first  Article  of  the  Constitution 
shall  be  as  follows,  viz.,  "  ART.  I.  There  shall  be  a  General 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Uni- 
-ted  .States  of  America,  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  May,  1808, 
and  in  every  third  year,"  etc.,  as  before. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
LayDeputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton,  proposing  an  addi 
tion  to  the  4th  Canon  of  1799.  This  house  disagreed  to  the 
said  proposal,  and  instead  thereof  proposed  to  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  the  revival  of,  and  an  addition  to, 
that  part  of  the  4th  Canon  of  1795,  which  had  been  repeal 
ed,  together  with  the  repeal  of  the  4th  Canon  of  1799. 

The  house  then  adjourned  to  the  afternoon. 

THURSDAY,  4  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  before. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hobart,  informing  this  house 
that  they  disagree  to  the  proposal  made  to  them  by  this 


1801.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      275 

house  for  the  revival  of,  and  an  addition  to,  that  part  of  the 
4th  Canon  of  1795  which  had  been  repealed,  together  with 
the  repeal  of  the  4th  Canon  of  1799,  and  requesting  a  con 
ference  on  the  subject  with  this  house ;  whereupon  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Claggett  was  appointed  a  Committee  on  the  part 
of  this  house,  to  meet  and  confer  with  a  Committee  of  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  on  the  subject  afore 
said. 

The  house  adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


FRIDAY,  Sept.  11,  9  o'clock. 
The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 
The  house  adjourned,  in  order  to  attend  the  consecration  of 
the  Bishop  elect  of  the  Church  in  the  State  of  New  York. 

FRIDAY,  4  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  before. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Baldwin,  with  the  following 
resolution : 

"  Resolved, — That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  State 
Conventions  of  this  Church,  to  cause  as  great  a  number  as 
possible  of  the  Constitution  and  Canons  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States,  and  of  the  Consti 
tutions  and  Canons  of  their  respective  churches,  to  be  print 
ed  and  distributed  among  their  respective  congregations." 

Whereupon,  it  was  Resolved, — That  this  house  do  concur 
in  the  aforesaid  resolution. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  who  was  consecrated  this 
morning,  appeared  in  the  house  and  took  his  seat. 

A  proposed  Canon,  limiting  the  operation  of  the  4th  Ca 
non  of  1795,  was  adopted,  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Cleri 
cal  and  Lay  Deputies  for  their  concurrence. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  returned  the 
above  Canon  as  adopted  by  them,  with  an  amendment,  which 
was  agreed  to  by  this  house. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Claggett  asked  and  obtained  leave 
of  absence. 

The  house  adjourned  to  8  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


276      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1801. 

SATURDAY,  September  12.  8  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met.  Present,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White, 
the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Jarvis,  and  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Moore. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  with  a  proposed  Canon, 
making  an  addition  to  the  1st  Canon  of  1795.  The  proposed 
Canon  was  agreed  to  by  this  house. 

This  house  agreed  to  a  resolution  received  from  the  House 
of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  respecting  Articles  of  re 
ligion. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  applications  from  certain  churches  of  New  Hamp 
shire  and  Vermont,  respecting  certain  arrangements  on  ac 
count  of  their  local  circumstances,  which  papers  were  ac 
companied  with  a  resolution  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  concerning  the  same.  This  house  concur 
red  in  the  resolution. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hobart,  a  proposed  Canon,  pre 
scribing  the  mode  of  publishing  authorised  editions  of  the 
Common  Prayer  Book,  etc.;  which  Canon  this  house  agreed 
to,  with  an  amendment. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  a  proposal,  that  the  next  meeting  of  the  Convention 
should  be  in  the  city  of  New  York ;  in  which  this  house  con 
curred. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  returned  the 
amendment  of  this  house  to  the  proposed  Canon  prescribing 
the  mode  of  publishing  authorised  editions  of  the  Common 
Prayer  Book,  etc.,  with  their  concurrence. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  sent  to  this 
house  a  proposed  resolution,  requesting  this  House  to  consider 
of  and  establish  a  course  of  ecclesiastical  studies,  proper  for 
Candidates  for  Holy  Orders,  and  to  report  .the  same  to  the 
next  General  Convention. 

This  house  concurred  in  the  foregoing  resolution. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  a  proposed  resolution  concerning  certain  spurious 
editions  of  the  Common  Prayer,  which  this  house  disagreed 
to,  and  proposed  the  following  as  a  substitute,  viz. 

"  Whereas  this  Convention  has  received  information,  that 


1801.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      277 

certain  unauthorised  books  of  Common  Prayer  have  been 
published,  in  which  some  parts  of  the  authorised  book  are 
omitted,  and  other  matters  added; 

Resolved, — That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  Bishop  to 
make  inquiry  into,  and  report  at  every  meeting  of  the  Con 
vention,  such  cases  of  this  sort  as  may  have  come  within  his 
knowledge. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  their  concurrence  in  the  foregoing  resolution. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  a  proposed  resolve,  that  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Moore  be  requested  to  preach  a  Sermon  at  the  next  General 
Convention;  which  resolve  was  adopted  by  this  house. 

This  house  received  a  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  naming  a  Committee  on  their  part  for  re 
vising  and  publishing  the  Journals;  and  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Moore  was  appointed  a  Committee  on  the  part  of  this 
house. 

A  resolution  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  requesting  the  Rev.  Mr.  Waddell,  to  return 
the  thanks  of  this  Convention  to  the  Governor,  for  the  use  of 
the  rooms  in  the  State  House. 

This  house  concurred  in  the  foregoing  resolution. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  informing  this  house  that  they  are  ready  to 
adjourn. 

Resolved, — That  this  house  are  also  ready  to  adjourn. 

Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be  returned  to 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Waddell,  their  Secretary,  for  his  attention  and 
services. 

The  house  rose. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Bishops. 

WILLIAM  WHITE, 

PRESIDING  BISHOP. 

Attest:  HENRY  WADDELL,  Secretary. 


278  JOURNAL   OF  THE  GENERAL   CONVENTION.        [1801. 

THE  CERTIFICATE  OF  THE  CONSECRATION  OF 
THE  RIGHT  REV.  BISHOP  MOORE  IS  AS  FOL 
LOWS. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we,  William  White,  D.D., 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Pennsyl 
vania,  Presiding  Bishop;  Thomas  John  Claggett,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Maryland,  and  Abraham 
Jarvis,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of 
Connecticut,  under  the  protection  of  Almighty  God,  in  St.  Michael's 
Church,  in  the  city  of  Trenton,  on  Friday,  the  eleventh  day  of  Septem 
ber,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  One  thousand  eight  hundred  and  one,  did 
then  and  there  rightly  and  canonically  consecrate  our  beloved  in  Christ, 
Benjamin  Moore,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  in  the  city  of  New  York, 
of  whose  sufficiency  in  good  learning,  soundness  in  the  faith,  and  purity  of 
manners,  we  were  fully  ascertained,  into  the  office  of  Bishop  of  the  Protest 
ant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  New  York,  to  which  the  said  Ben 
jamin  Moore,  D.D.,  hath  been  elected  by  the  Convention  of  the  said 
State,  in  consequence  of  the  inability -of  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Provoost, 
and  of  his  declining  all  Episcopal  jurisdiction  within  the  said  State. 

In  testimony  whereof  we  have  signed  our  names  and  caused  our  seals 
to  be  affixed. 

Given  in  the  city  of  Trenton,  this  eleventh  day  of  September,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  One  thousand  eight  hundred  and  one. 

WILLIAM  WHITE.  [L.  s.] 

THOMAS  JOHN  CLAGGETT.  [L.  s.J 
ABRAHAM  JARVIS.  f L.  s.l 


APPENDIX. 


Resolution  of  the  Bishops,  the  Clergy,  and  Laity  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  Amer 
ica,  in  Convention,  in  the  city  of  Trenton,  the  12th  day  of 
September,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1801,  respecting  Ar 
ticles  of  Religion. 

The  Articles  of  Religion  are  hereby  ordered  to  be  set  forth  with  the  fol 
lowing  directions,  to  be  observed  in  all  future  editions  of  the  same ;  that 
is  to  say — 

The  following  to  be  the  title,  viz. : 

"  Articles  of  Religion,  as  established  by  the  Bishops,  the  Clergy,  and 
the  Laity  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America,  in  Convention,  on  the  12th  day  of  September,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  1801." 

The  Articles  to  stand  as  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  of  the  Church 
of  England,  with  the  following  alterations  and  omissions,  viz.: 

In  the  8th  Article,  the  word  "  three"  in  the  title,  and  the  words  "  three 
— Athanasius's  creed"  in  the  Article,  to  be  omitted,  and  the  Article  to  read 
thus: 

"  ART.  VIII.    OF  THE  CREEDS. 

"  The  Nicene  Creed,  and  that  which  is  commonly  called  the  Apostles' 
Creed,  ought  thoroughly  to  be  received  and  believed,  for  they  may  be 
proved  by  most  certain  warrants  of  Holy  Scripture." 

Under  the  title  "  Article  21,"  the  following  Note  to  be  inserted,  viz.: 

"  The  21st  of  the  former  Articles  is  omitted,  because  it  is  partly  of  a 
local  and  civil  nature,  and  is  provided  for,  as  to  the  remaining  parts  of  it, 
in  other  Articles." 

The  35th  Article  to  be  inserted  with  the  following  note,  viz. 

"  This  Article  is  received  in  this  Church,  so  far  as  it  declares  the  Books 
of  Homilies  to  be  an  explication  of  Christian  doctrine,  and  instructive  in 
piety  and  morals.  But  all  references  to  the  constitution  and  laws  of  En 
gland  are  considered  as  inapplicable  to  the  circumstances  of  this  Church; 
which  also  suspends  the  order  for  the  reading  of  said  homilies  in  churches 
until  a  revision  of  them  may  conveniently  be  made,  for  the  clearing  of 
them,  as  well  from  obsolete  words  and  phrases,  as  from  the  local  refer 
ences." 

(279) 


280  APPENDIX.  [1801. 

The  36th  Article,  entitled  "  Of  Consecration  of  Bishops  and  Ministers," 
to  read  thus: 

"  The  Book  of  Consecration  of  Bishops,  and  ordering  of  Priests  and 
Deacons,  as  set  forth  by  the  General  Convention  of  this  Church  in  1792, 
doth  contain  all  things  necessary  to  such  consecration  and  ordering:  nei 
ther  hath  it  any  thing,  that,  of  itself,  is  superstitious  and  ungodly :  and, 
therefore  whosoever  are  consecrated  or  ordered  according  to  said  form,  we 
decree  all  such  to  be  rightly,  orderly,  and  lawfully  consecrated  and  or 
dered." 

The  37th  Article  to  be  omitted,  and  the  following  substituted  in  its 
place : 

"  OP  THE  POWER  OF  THE  ClVIL  MAGISTRATE. 

"  The  power  of  the  civil  magistrate  extendeth  to  all  men,  as  well  Clergy 
as  Laity,  in  all  things  temporal — but  hath  no  authority  in  things  purely 
spiritual.  And  we  hold  it  to  be  the  duty  of  all  men  who  are  professors 
of  the  gospel,  to  pay  respectful  obedience  to  the  civil  authority,  regu 
larly  and  legitimately  constituted." 

ADOPTED  BY  THE  HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS. 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.D.,  PRESIDING  BISHOP. 
ADOPTED  BY  THE  HOUSE  OF  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES. 
ABRAHAM  BEACH,  D.D.,  PRESIDENT. 


(fanons. 


PASSED  1801. 


CANON  I. — Respecting  tnose  who  discontinue  all  exercise  of 
the  Ministerial  Office  without  lawful  cause,  etc. 

If  any  person,  having  been  ordained  in  this  Church,  or  having  been 
otherwise  regularly  ordained  and  admitted  a  minister  in  this  church,  shall 
discontinue  all  exercise  of  the  ministerial  office  without  lawful  cause,  or 
shall  avow  that  he  is  no  longer  a  minister  of  this  Church,  or  shall  live  in 
the  habitual  disuse  of  the  public  worship,  or  of  the  Holy  Eucharist,  ac 
cording  to  the  offices  of  this  Church — such  person,  on  due  proof  of  the 
same,  or  on  his  own  confession,  shall  be  liable  to  be  degraded  from  the 
Ministry. 

CANON  II. — Limiting  the  operation  of  the  4th  Canon  of 

1795. 

The  Bishop  of  this  Church,  in  any  State,  with  the  advice  and  consent 
of  all  the  Clerical  members  of  the  Standing  Committee  of  his  diocese, 
may  dispense  with  the  knowledge  of  the  Latin  and  Greek  languages,  and 
other  branches  of  learning  not  strictly  ecclesiastical,  which  are  required 
by  the  4th  Canon  of  1795. 


1801.]  APPENDIX.  281 

CANON  III. — Prescribing  the  mode  of  publishing  authorised 
editions  of  the  Common  Prayer  Book,  etc. 

The  Bishop  of  this  Church,  in  any  state,  or  where  there  is  no  Bishop, 
the  standing  committee  are  authorised  to  appoint,  from  time  to  time, 
some  suitable  person  or  persons  to  compare  and  correct  all  new  editions 
of  the  Common  Prayer  Book,  Book  of  Offices,  etc.,  by  some  standard 
book,  and  a  certificate  of  their  having  been  so  compared  and  corrected 
shall  be  published  with  said  books.  And  in  case  any  edition  shall  be 
published  without  such  correction,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Bishop,  or 
where  there  is  no  Bishop,  of  the  standing  committee,  to  give  public  no 
tice  that  such  edition  is  not  authorised  by  the  Church.  The  Bishop  of 
this  Church  in  Pennsylvania  is  hereby  authorised  to  set  forth  an  edition 
of  the  Articles  of  religion,  which,  when  published,  shall  be  the  standard 
copy.  The  octavo  edition  of  the  Common  Prayer  Book,  published  in 
New  York  in  1793,  by  Hugh  Gaine,  and  the  quarto  edition  of  the  Book 
of  Offices,  etc.,  of  the  same  year,  published  in  the  same  place,  are  hereby 
established  as  standard  books,  with  the  exception  of  .  errors  evidently 
typographical — the  correction  of  which  errors  is  confided  to  such  person 
or  persons  as  the  Bishop  or  standing  committee  may  appoint  for  superin 
tending  any  publication. 

CANON  IV. — Making  an  addition  to  the  1st  Canon  of  1795, 
concerning  Episcopal  Visitation. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  Bishop  of  this  Church  to  keep  a  register 
of  his  proceedings  at  every  visitation  of  his  diocese,  and  particularly  of 
the  names  and  age  of  the  persons  confirmed,  and  to  report  a  copy  of 
such  register  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  at  every  triennial  meeting  of  the 
General  Convention  of  this  Church,  in  order  that  the  same  may  be  com 
municated  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  to  be  preserved 
among  the  general  records  of  the  Church. 

The  above  Canons  passed  in  Convention,  September,  1801. 
BY  ORDER  OP  THE  HOUSE  OP  BISHOPS: 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.D.,  PRESIDING  BISHOP. 
By  ORDER  OF  THE  HOUSE  OP  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES: 
ABRAHAM  BEACH,  D.D.,  PRESIDENT. 


EisI  of  fljp  (Jlrrgg 


OF   THE 


PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH, 

In  the  different  States,  1801. 

Delivered  in  and  published  agreeably  to  the  16th  Canon 
of  1789. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

Rev.  Joseph  Willard,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Portsmouth. 

Rev.  Robert  H.  Fowle,  rector  of church,  Holdernesse. 

Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  Rector  of church,  Clermont. 

The  list  from  this  State  is  the  same  as  in  the  Journal  of  the  last  Con 
vention,  no  new  list  having  been  delivered  in. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  Right  Rev.  Edward  Bass,  D.D.,  Bishop. 

Rev.  William  Willard  Wheeler,  rector  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Scituate, 

and  St.  Peter's,  Marshfield. 

Rev.  Nathaniel  Fisher,  rector  of  St  Peter's  church,  Salem. 
Rev.  Samuel  Parker,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Trinity  church,  Boston. 
Rev.  John  Sylvester  J.  Gardner,  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church, 

Boston. 

Rev.  Samuel  Haskill,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Boston. 
Rev.  Wm.  Montague,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Deedham,  and          • 

Quincy. 

Rev.  William  Harris,  rector  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Marblehead. 
Rev.  James  Bowers,  deacon,  Pittston. 

RHODE  ISLAND. 

Rev.  John  Usher,  rector  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Bristol. 

Rav.  Abraham  Lynsen  Clarke,  Assistant  Minister  of  St.  Michael's  church, 

Bristol. 
Rev.  Theodore  Dehon,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  Newport. 

(283) 


284  APPENDIX.  [1801. 

Rev.  Abraham  Branson,  Deacon,  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church, 

Newport. 
Rev.  Nathaniel  Bowen,  Deacon,  Providence. 

CONNECTICUT. 

The  Right  Rev.  Abraham  Jarvis,  D.D.,  Bishop. 
Rev.  Jeremiah  Learning,  residing  at  New  Haven. 

Rev.  John  Bowden,  D.D.,  Principal  of  the  Episcopal  Academy,  Cheshire. 
Rev.  Richard  Mansfield,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Christ  Church  at  Derby,  and  of 

the  Churches  of  Oxford  and  Great  Hill. 
Rev.  Bela  Hubbard,  D.D.,  Trinity  church,  New  Haven,  and  Christ  church. 

West  Haven. 
Rev.  John  Tyler,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Norwich. 

Rev.  Daniel  Fogg,  rector  of church,  Pomfret. 

Rev.  Philo  Shelton,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  Fairfield,  St.  John's,  Strat- 

field,  and church  in  Weston. 

Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Stratford,  and  Trinity 

church,  Trumbul. 
Rev.  Chauncey  Prindle,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Watertown,   and  St. 

Peter's,  Plymouth. 
Rev.  Reuben  Ives,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Cheshire,  and  the  churches 

of  Hamden  and  Southington. 
Rev.  Tillotson  Bronson,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Waterbury,  and 

church,  Salem. 

Rev.  Truman  Marsh,  rector  of church,  Litchfield. 

Rev.  Ambrose  Todd,  rector  of  St.  Panl's  church,  Huntingdon. 

Rev.  Daniel  Burhans,  rector  of   Trinity  church,  Newtown,  and  

church,  Brookfield. 
Rev.  David  Butler,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Reading,  and  the  churches 

of  Danbury  and  Ridgefield. 
Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold,  rector  of  St.  Matthew's  church,  Bristol,  St. 

Mark's,  Harwinston,  and church,  Norfield. 

Rev.  Solomon  Blakslee,  rector  of  St.  Stephen's  church,  East  Haddam. 
Rev.  Charles  Seabury,  rector  of  St.  James's  church,  New  London. 
Rev.  Smith  Miles,  rector  of  the  churches  at  Chatham  &  Middle  Haddam. 
Rev.  Evan  Rogers,  rector  of  St.  Peter's,  Hebron,  and church,  Marl- 
borough. 

Rev.  Joseph  Warren,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Middletown. 
Rev.  William  Green,  residing  in  New  London. 
Rev.  Calvin  White,  Rector  of  St.  John's,  Stamford,  and church, 

Horseneck. 

Rev.  Menzies  Rayner,  rector  of church,  Hartford. 

Rev.  Jasper  D.  Jones,  Deacon. 

Rev.  Nathan  B.  Burges,  Deacon,  officiating  at  Guilford  and  North  Bristol. 
Rev.  Henry  Whitlock,  Deacon,  officiating  at  Norwalk  and  Dilton. 
Rev.  Bethuel  Judd,  Deacon,  officiating  at  Woodbury  and  Roxbury. 

NEW  YORK. 

The  Right  Rev.  Benjamin  Moore,  D.D.,  Bishop. 
Rev.  Abraham  Beach,  D.D.,  Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart,  Rev.  Cave  Jones, 

Assistant  Ministers  of  Trinity  church,  New  York. 
Rev.  Thomas  Ellison,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Albany. 
Rev.  Richard  C.  Moore,  rector  of  St.  Andrew's   church,  Staten  Island. 
Rev.  Henry  Van  Dyke,  rector  of  St.  James's  church,  Newtown. 
Rev.  Seth  Hart,  rector  of  St.  George's  church,  Hempstead. 


1801.]  APPENDIX.  285 

Rev.  Elijah   D.  Rattoone,  rector  of  Grace   church,  Jamaica,  and   St. 

George's,  Flushing. 
Rev.  Isaac  Wilkins,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  West  Chester,  and  St. 

Paul's  church,  East  Chester. 

Rev.  Theodosius  Bartow,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  New  Rochelle. 
Rev.  John  Ireland,  rector  of  St.  Anne's  church,  Brooklyn. 
Rev.  Elias  Cooper,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Yonkers. 
Rev.  Frederick  Van  Home,  rector  of  St.  Andrew's  church,  Orange  co. 
Rev.  Robert  G.  Wetmore,  rector  of  St.  George's  church,  Schenectady, 

and  Christ  church,  Duanesborough. 
Rev.  John  Urquhart,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Johnstown,  and 

church,  Fort  Hunter. 
Rev.  Philander  Chase,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Poughkeepsie,  and  Trinity 

church,  Fishkill. 

Rev.  Gamaliel  Thatcher,  rector  of  Christchurch.Balstown, and  other  churches. 
Rev.  Daniel  Nash,  Rector  of  the  churches  in  Otsego. 

Rev.  Amos  Pardee,  rector  of church,  Hampton. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Provoost,  Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D.,  Rev.  Samuel 

Nesbitt,  residing  in  New  York. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

Rev.  Uzal  Ogden,  D.D.,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  Newark. 
Rev.  Charles  H.  Wharton,  D.D.,  rector  of  St.  Mary's  church,  Burlington. 
Rev.  Henry  Waddell,  rector  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Trenton. 
Rev.  John  Croes,  rector  of  Christ  church,  New  Brunswick. 

Rev.  Andrew  Fowler,  rector  of church,  Middletown. 

Rev.  Frederick  Beasley,  Deacon,  St.  John's  church,  Elizabethtown. 
Rev.  —  Gotten,  residing  at  present  in  New  Brunswick. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  William  White,  D.D.,  Bishop. 

Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D. 

Rev.  Samuel  Magaw,  D.D.,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia. 

Rev.  John  Andrews,  D.D.,  Vice-Provost  of  the  University  of  Pennsyl 
vania. 

Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ  Church  and 
St.  Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Rev.  Joseph  Hutchins,  D.D. 

Rev.  John  Campbell,  rector  of  the  Episcopal  churches  of  York  and  Hun 
tingdon. 

Rev.  Slator  Clay,  rector  of  St.  David's,  Radnor;  St.  Peter's  in  the  Valley, 
and  St.  James's,  Perkiomen. 

Rev.  Joseph  Clarkson,  rector  of  St.  James's,  Lancaster, church,  Pe- 

quea,  and church,  Carnarvon. 

Rev.  Robert  Ayres,  rector  of  Emanuel  church,  Washington  county,  and 
St.  Peter's  church,  Fayette  county. 

Rev.  Francis  Reno,  Westmoreland  county. 

Rev.  Joseph  Turner,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Chester,  and  St.  Mar 
tin's,  Marcus  Hook. 

Rev.  Caleb  Hopkins,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Deny  Township,  and  Christ 
church,  Turbut  township,  Northumberland  county. 

Rev.  Thomas  Davis,  Washington  county. 


286  APPENDIX.  [1801. 

Rev.  James  Abercrombie,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ  church  and  St. 

Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 
Rev.  Absalom  Jones  (a  black  man),  Deacon  in  the  African  church  of  St. 

Thomas's,  Philadelphia. 

DELAWARE. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Clay,  Emanuel  church,  New  Castle. 
Rev.  William  Pryce,  Trinity  church,  Wilmington. 
Rev.  Joshua  Reese,  St.  Anne's  church,  Middletown. 
Rev.  James  Wiltbank,  St.  George's  church,  Sussex  county. 

MARYLAND. 

The  Right  Rev.  Thomas  J.  Claggett,  D.D.,  Bishop. 
Rev.  Charles  Smoot,  rector  of  William  and  Mary  parish,  St.  Mary's. 
Rev.  Henry  Lyon  Davis,  King  and  Queen  parish,  St.  Mary's  county. 
Rev.  —  Brockenbury,  Deacon,  William  and  Mary  parish,  Charles  county. 
Rev.  John  I.  Sayrs,  Durham  parish,  Charles  county. 
Rev.  George  Ralph,  Trinity  parish,  Charles  county. 
Rev.  Edward  Gant,  Jun.,  Christ  church,  Calvert. 
Rev.  Joseph  Messenger,  St.  John's,  Prince  George's  county. 
Rev.  Walter  D.  Addison,  residing  in  Prince  George's. 
Rev.  Andrew  M'Cormick,  Washington,  Prince  George's  county, 
Rev.  John  W.  Compton,  St.  James',  Anne  Arundel. 
Rev.  Ralph  Higinbothom,  St.  Anne's,  Anne  Arundel. 
Rev.  Nicholas  W.  Lane,  All  Hallows,  Anne  Arundel. 
Rev  Owen  F.  Magrath,  residing  in  Annapolis,  Anne  Arundel. 
Rev.  Henry  Moscrop,  Westminster,  Anne  Arundel. 
Rev.  William  Swan,  St.  Margaret's,  Anne  Arundel. 
Rev.  Thomas  Read,  Prince  George's,  Montgomery.(l) 
Rev.  Edward  Gantt,  sen.,  residing  at  Georgetown,  Montgomery. 
Rev.  Thomas  Scott,  St.  Peter's,  Montgomery. 
Rev.  George  Bower,  rector  of  All  Saints,  Frederick. 
Rev.  Joseph  G.  J.  Bend,  associate  rector  of  St.  Paul's,  Baltimore.(l) 
Rev.  John  Ireland,  associate  rector  of  St.  Paul's,  Baltimore. 
Rev.  John  Coleman,  St.  Thomas's,  Baltimore.(l) 
Rev.  Francis  Barclay,  residing  in  Baltimore. 
Rev.  John  Allen,  St.  George's,  Harford. 
Rev.  James  Jones  Wilmer,  St.  John's,  Harford. 
Rev.,  William  Duke,  residing  in  Cecil  county. 
Rev.  Colin  Ferguson,  D.D.,  residing  in  Kent  county. 
Rev  Archibald  Walker,  D.D.,  residing  in  Kent  county. 
Rev.  George  Dashiell,  Chester  and  St.  Paul's,  Kent  county. 
Rev.  Samuel  Keene,  D.D.,  St.  Luke's,  Queen  Anne's. 
Rev.  Samuel  Keene,  Jun.,  residing  in  St.  Luke's,  Queen  Anne's. 
Rev.  Elisha  Rigg,  St.  Paul's,  Queen  Anne's.(l) 
Rev.  Joseph  Jackson,  St.  Peter's,  Talbot. 
Rev.  James  Kemp,  Great  Choptank,  Dorchester. 
Rev.  William  Price,  Somerset,  Somerset. 
Rev.  Samuel  Sloan,  residing  in  Somerset. 
Rev.  David  Ball,  All  Hallows,  Worcester. 

(1)  Members  of  the  Standing  Committee  this  year. 

VIBGINIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  James  Madison,  D.D.,  Bishop. 
Rev.  Charles  O'Neill,  rector  of ,  Amherst. 


1801.]  APPENDIX.  287 

Rev.  Alexander  Hay,  rector  of  Antrim  parish. 

Rev.  Samuel  Gray,  Botetourt  parish. 

Rev.  Hugh  Corrans  Boggs,  rector  of  Berkley  parish. 

Rev.  Levi  Heath,  Berkley. 

Rev.  Benjamin  Brown,  rector  of  Brisland  parish. 

Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  rector  of  Bristol  parish. 

Rev.  John  Cameron,  D.D.,  rector  of 

Rev.  Alexander  M'Farland,  rector  of  Brunswick  parish. 

Rev.  John  Bracken,  D.D.,  rector  of  Bruton  parish. 

Rev.  John  Camm,  rector  of  Charles  parish. 

Rev.  Henry  Heffernam,  Christ  church. 

Rev.  James  Elliott,  rector  of  Cople  parish. 

Rev.  Needier  Robinson,  rector  of  Dale  parish. 

Rev.  Spence  Grayson,  rector  of  Dettingen  parish. 

Rev.  Jesse  Carter,  rector  of  Drysdale  parish. 

Rev.  Daniel  M'Naughton,  Christ  church. 

Rev.  James  Whitehead,  rector  of  Elizabeth  river  parish. 

Rev.  Thomas  Davis,  Fairfax  parish. 

Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  rector  of  Frederick  parish. 

Rev.  John  O'Weylie,  Lecturer,  Frederick. 

Rev.  Matthew  Maury,  rector  of  Fredericksville  parish. 

Rev.  John  Hooker  Reynolds,  Hardy. 

Rev.  John  Buchanan,  D.D.,  rector  of  Henrico  parish. 

Rev.  Samuel  S.  M'Croskey,  D.D.,  rector  of  Hungars  parish. 

Rev.  John  Thompson,  rector  of  Leeds  parish. 

Rev.  Charles  Crawford,  rector  of  Lexington  parish. 

Rev.  William  Crawford,  Lexington  parish. 

Rev.  James  Dickinson,  Littleton. 

Rev.  George  Young,  Lunenburg. 

Rev.  Anthony  Walke,  rector  of  Lynhaven'parish. 

Rev.  Armistead  Smith,  Matthews. 

Rev.  John  Dunn,  Manchester. 

Rev.  James  Leach,  Mecklenberg. 

Rev.  William  Hubard,  rector  of  Newport  parish. 

Rev.  Jacob  Keeling,  Nansemond. 

Rev.  Robert  Buchan,  rector  of  Overwharton  parish. 

Rev.  Arthur  Emerson,  rector  of  Portsmouth  parish. 

Rev.  John  Brunskill,  rector  of  Raleigh  parish. 

Rev.  Alexander  Lundie,  rector  of  St.  Andrew's  parish. 

Rev.  James  Stevenson,  rector  of  St.  George's  parish. 

Rev.  Charles  Hopkins,  rector  of  St.  James,  Northam  pariah. 

Rev.  James  Price,  rector  of  St.  John's  parish. 

Rev.  Thomas  Hughes,  rector  of  St.  David's. 

Rev.  Archibald  Dick,  rector  of  St.  Margaret's  parish. 

Rev.  John  Woodville,  St.  Mark's  parish. 

Rev.  Abner  Waugh,  rector  of  St.  Mary's  parish. 

Rev.  John  Parsons, . 

Rev.  John  Seward,  St.  Stephen's  parish. 

Rev.  John  Hyde  Saunders,  rector  of  Southam  parish. 

Rev.  Samuel  Butler,  rector  of  Southwark  parish. 

Rev.  Lee  Massey,  rector  of  Truro  parish. 

Rev.  Samuel  Chapin,  rector  of  Westover  parish. 

Rev.  James  Evans,  Yorkhampton. 

Rev.  John  C.  Brockenboroug,  Washington. 


283  APPENDIX.  [1801. 

Rev.  Duncan  M'Naughton,  Wicomico. 

Rev.  Joseph  Wilson : 

Rev.  Stephen  Thomson : 

Rev.  Cornelius  Carvert — Cures  not  known. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

The  Right  Rev.  Robert  Smith,  D.D.,  Bishop. 

Rev.  Thomas  Frost,  St.  Philip's,  Charleston. 

Rev.  Henry  Purcell,  D.D.,  St.  Michael's,  Charleston. 

Rev.  Edward  Jenkins,  St.  Michael's,  Charleston. 

Rev.  Milwood  Pogson,  St.  James's,  Goose  Creek,  St.  George's,  Dorchester. 

Rev.  Peter  M.  Parker,  St.  John's,  Berkley. 

Rev.  John  Thompson,  St.  Thomas's. 

Rev.  Thomas  Mills,  St.  Andrew's.  James'  Island,  St.  Andrew's,  Main. 

Rev.  Edmund  Matthews,  St.  John's,  Edisto. 

Rev.  William  Nixon,  St.  Bartholomew's. 

Rev.  Thomas  D.  Bladen,  St.  James',  Santee 

Rev.  George  H.  Spierin,  Prince  George's. 

Rev.  James  Connor,  St.  Stephen's. 

Rev.  John  O'Donnel,  All  Saints. 

Rev.  Hugh  Frazier.  Prince  Frederick's. 

Residents  in  the  State  without  cures : 
Rev.  Thomas  Gates,  D.D. 

Rev.  Mr.  M'Culley,  Master  of  an  Academy,  Beaufort. 
Rev.  Mr.  Blackwall. 
Rev.  Mr.  Best,  Master  of  an  Academy,  Charleston. 

The  list  from  this  State  is  the  same  as  in  the  Journal  of  the  last  Con 
vention,  no  new  list  having  been  delivered  in. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS 


OF   THE 


OP  THE 


"JProfasfanf  ^pisrojpal  (jljurrif 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA, 


IH 


A  CONVENTION 


HELD   IN 


THE  CITY  OF    NEW  YORK,  FROM  TUESDAY,  SEPTEMBER 
HTH,  TO  TUESDAY,  SEPTEMBER  18TH,  1804. 

VOL.  L— 19  (289) 


LIST  OF  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF 
CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES. 


FROM  THE  STATE  OF  MASSACHUSETTS 
Re*.  Samuel  Parker,  D.D. 
Rev.  Samuel  Haskell. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  CONNECTICUT. 
Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin. 
Rev.  Philo  Shelton. 
Rev.  Tillotson  Bronson. 
Rev.  Daniel  Burhans. 
Nathan  Smith,  Esq. 
Andrew  Hilliar,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  YORK. 
Rev.  Abraham  Beach,  D.D. 
Rev.  Isaac  Wilkins. 
Rev.  William  Harris. 
Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart. 
William  Ogden,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  JERSEY. 

Rev.  Uzal  Ogden,  D.D. 
Rev.  John  Croes. 
Rev.  Samuel  Lilly. 
Colonel  Samuel  Ogden. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 
Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.D. 
Rev.  Joseph  Clarkson. 
Thomas  Cumpston,  Esq. 
Gen.  Francis  Gurney. 
Mr.  Levi  Bull. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  DELAWARE. 
Rev.  William  Pryce. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  MARYLAND. 
Rev.  Joseph  G.  J.  Bend,  D.D. 
Rev.  James  Kemp,  D.D. 
Rev.  John  Coleman. 
Rev.  Joseph  Jackson. 
William  Helmsley,  Jun.,  Esq. 
Richard  Key  Heath,  Esq. 

(291) 


JOURNAL 


OF   THE 


of  (Jferiral  anb  Hag 


"f  tl^-v  NEW  YORK,  September  11,  1804. 

•J  \\  v**  being  the  day  appointed  for  the  meeting  of  the 
J  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
*%  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  several 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  attended  at  10  o'clock,  A.M.,  in 
Trinity  Church,  but  not  being  a  quorum,  adjourned  to  meet 
at  5  o'clock,  P.M.,  in  a  room  of  the  building  belonging  to  the 
Episcopal  Charity  School. 

Five  o'clock,  P.M. 

A  quorum  of  the  house  appearing,  they  proceeded  to  the 
election,  by  ballot,  of  a  President  and  Secretary,  when  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Abraham  Beach  was  duly  chosen  President,  and  the 
Rev.  John  H.  Hobart,  Secretary. 

The  testimonials  of  the  Clerical  and  Lay  Delegates  were 
then  read  and  approved  of,  and  the  following  gentlemen  took 
their  seats  in  the  house. 

From  Massachusetts,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Parker,  Rev. 
Samuel  Haskell.  From  Connecticut,  the  Rev.  Ashbel  Bald 
win,  Rev.  Philo  Shelton,  Rev.  Tillotson  Bronson,  Rev.  Dan 
iel  Burhans.  From  New  York,  Rev.  Dr.  Abraham  Beach, 
Rev.  Isaac  Wilkins,  Rev.  "William  Harris,  Rev.  John  II. 
Hobart:  From  New  Jersey,  Rev.  Dr.  Uzal  Ogden,  Rev. 
Samuel  Lilly,  Colonel  Samuel  Ogden.  From  Delaware,  Rev. 

(293) 


294  JOURNAL   OF  THE   GENERAL  CONVENTION.         [1804. 

William  Pryce.     From  Maryland,  Rev.   Dr.  James  Kemp, 
Rev.  Joseph  Jackson,  Richard  Key  Heath,  Esq. 

The  house  not  judging  it  expedient  to  do  business  the  first 
day  of  the  Session,  adjourned  to  meet  to-morrow  morning  at 
9  o'clock. 


WEDNESDAY,  September  12,  1804,  9  o'clock,  A-M. 

The  house  met. 

The  testimonials  of  the  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  from 
the  State  of  Pennsylvania  were  read  and  approved  of.  And 
General  Francis  Gurney,  Thomas  Cumpston,  Esq.,  and  Mr. 
Levi  Bull,  Lay  deputies  from  the  State  of  Pennsylvania; 
the  Rev.  John  Croes,  Clerical  deputy  from  New  Jersey;  the 
Rev.  Joseph  G.  J.  Bend,  D^D.,  Clerical  deputy,  and  William 
Helmsley,  Jun.,  Esq.,  Lay  deputy  from  the  State  of  Mary 
land;  and  Nathan  Smith,  Esq.,  Lay  deputy  from  the  State 
of  Connecticut,  appeared  and  took  their  seats  in  the  house. 

A  message  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  informing 
them  that  this  house  was  organized,  and  ready  to  proceed  to 
business. 

The  House  of  Bishops  returned  for  answer,  that  they  also 
were  organized,  and  ready  to  proceed  to  business. 

The  rules  of  order  established  by  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies  of  the  Convention  of  1792  and  the  follow 
ing  Conventions,  were  adopted  as  the  rules  of  order  of  this 
house,  with  the  following  addition  to  the  6th  rule — "  unless 
with  the  consent  of  two-thirds  of  the  house." 

The  record  of  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Parker 
to  the  office  of  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  State  of  Massachusetts,  and  also  the  requisite  testi 
mony  from  the  Convention  of  the  Church  in  that  State,  were 
presented  and  read. 

Whereupon  it  was  unanimously  Resolved, — That  the  house 
do  sign,  in  favour  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker,  the  testimony  re 
quired  by  the  Canons  in  the  election  of  a  Bishop.  The  tes 
timony  was  accordingly  signed,  and,  together  with  the  testi 
mony  from  the  Convention  of  the  Church  in  Massachusetts, 
was  laid  before  the  House  of  Bishops. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  hours  of  meeting  each 
day  shall  be  from  9  o'clock,  A.M.,  to  three  o'clock  P.M.,  and 


1804.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      295 

notice  of  this  resolution  was  transmitted  to  the  House  of 
Bishops. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
forming  this  house  that  they  had  approved  the  testimonies  in 
favour  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker,  Bishop  elect  of  this  Church 
in  the  State  of  Massachusetts,  and  that  they  had  appointed 
Friday  morning  for  his  consecration.  They  also  informed 
this  house,  than  they  concurred  in  the  resolution  as  to  the 
hours  of  meeting. 

The  house  then  attended  divine  service  in  Trinity  Church, 
where  prayers  were  read  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Claggett, 
and  a  Sermon  on  the  occasion  of  the  meeting  of  the  Conven 
tion  delivered  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore. 

The  house  having  returned  after  divine  service  to  their 
place  of  sitting, 

On  motion,  it  was  unanimously  Resolved, — That  the  thanks 
of  the  Convention  be  returned  to  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Moore,  for  his  Sermon  preached  before  the  Convention  this 
day,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy  for  publica 
tion.  The  House  of  Bishops  concurred  in  the  above  resolu 
tion,  and  informed  this  house  that  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Moore  had  consented  to  furnish  a  copy  of  his  Sermon  for 
the  purpose  aforesaid. 

The  house  then  took  up  and  agreed  to  the  alteration  pro 
posed  at  the  last  General  Convention,  in  the  1st  article  of 
the  General  Constitution,  in  the  words  following,  viz. 

"ART.  I.  There  shall  be  a  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  Amer 
ica,  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  May,  1808,  and  in  every  third 
year,"  etc.,  as  before. 

Information  of  the  above  ratification  of  the  proposed  al 
teration  in  the  Constitution  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  who  returned  for  answer  that  they  concurred  in  the 
same. 

The  following  resolution  was  moved  and  seconded,  viz. 

Resolved,  — That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  enquire, 
whether  any  and  what  alterations  of,  or  additions  to,  the 
Canons  of  the  Church  are  necessary,  and  to  report. 

The  question  being  taken  on  the  above  resolution,  it  was 
determined  in  the  negative. 

The  house  adjourned. 


296  JOURNAL   OF  THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.        [1804. 

THURSDAY,  Sept.  13,  1804,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  prayers  were  read  by  the  Secretary  as 
Chaplain  to  the  house. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Robert  Blackwell  and  Rev.  Joseph  Clark- 
son,  Clerical  deputies  from  the  State  of  Pennsylvania;  An 
drew  Hillier,  Esq.,  a  Lay  deputy  from  the  State  of  Connec 
ticut;  and  William  Ogden,  Esq.,  a  Lay  deputy  from  the 
State  of  New  York,  appeared  and  took  their  seats  in  the 
house. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to 
prepare  an  Office  of  induction  into  the  rectorship  of  parishes. 
The  following  members  were  appointed  a  Committee:  Rev. 
Dr.  Parker,  Rev.  Mr.  Baldwin,  Rev.  Mr.  Harris,  Rev.  Dr. 
Ogden,  Rev.  Dr.  Blackwell,  Rev.  Mr.  Price,  Rev.  Dr.  Bend. 

A  proposed  Canon  concerning  dioceses  was  taken  up  and 
considered,  and  the  question  being  taken  thereon,  it  was  de 
termined  in  the  negative. 

The  following  proposed  Canons,  viz.,  "  A  Canon  concern 
ing  Ministers  moving  from  one  diocese  or  State  to  another;" 
a  Canon  making  an  addition  to  the  17th  Canon  of  1789,  en 
titled,  "  Notice  to  be  given  of  the  induction  and  dismission 
of  Ministers;"  a  Canon  altering  the  7th  Canon  of  1795;  and 
a  Canon  repealing  the  2d  Canon  of  1801,  which  limits  the 
operation  of  the  4th  Canon  of  1795;  were  passed,  and  sent 
to  the  House  of  Bishops  for  their  concurrence. 

The  house  adjourned. 


FRIDAY,  Sept.  14,  1804,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  prayers  were  read  by  the  Secretary, 
as  Chaplain  to  the  house. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  Office  of  induc 
tion  reported  an  Office;  and  the  house,  after  having  entered 
on  the  consideration  of  the  same,  proceeded  to  attend  divine 
service  in  Trinity  Church,  on  the  occasion  of  the  consecra 
tion  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker,  Bishop  elect  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts. 

Prayers  were  read  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bend,  and  a  Sermon 
delivered  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White;  who,  assisted  by 
the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Claggett,  of  Maryland,  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Jarvis,  of  Connecticut,  and  the  Right  Rev. 


1804.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENEKAL  CONVENTION.      297 

Bishop  Moore,  of  New  York,  performed  the  Office  of  con 
secration. 

After  divine  service,  the  house  returned  to  their  place  of 
sitting. 

On  motion,  it  was  unanimously  Resolved, — That  the  thanks 
of  this  house  be  returned  to  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White, 
for  the  Sermon  delivered  at  the  consecration  of  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Parker,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy  for  publi 
cation. 

The  above  resolution  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops, 
who  returned  it  with  their  concurrence;  and  informed  the 
house,  that  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White  had  consented  to 
furnish  a  copy  of  his  Sermon  for  publication. 

The  house  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  Office  of  in 
duction,  and  having  made  progress  in  the  same,  adjourned. 


SATURDAY,  Sept.  15,  1804,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  House  met,  and  prayers  were  read  by  the  Secretary, 
as  Chaplain  to  the  house. 

The  house  finished  the  consideration  of  the  Office  of  induc 
tion  ;  and  having  agreed  to  the  same,  sent  it  to  the  House 
of  Bishops  for  their  concurrence. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
forming  this  house  that  they  proposed  a  substitute  to  the 
Canon  concerning  Ministers  moving  from  one  diocese  or  State 
to  another ;  that  they  did  not  concur  in  the  Canon  altering 
the  7th  Canon  of  1795;  and  that  they  proposed  a  substitute 
to  the  Canon  repealing  the  2d  Canon  of  1801,  which  limits 
the  operation  of  the  4th  Canon  of  1795. 

The  house  agreed  to  the  substitute  proposed  by  the  House 
of  Bishops,  to  the  Canon  concerning  Ministers  moving  from 
one  diocese  to  another,  with  an  amendment,  which  was  sent 
to  the  House  of  Bishops,  and  adopted  by  them. 

The  house  took  up  the  consideration  of  the  substitute  pro 
posed  by  the  House  of  Bishops  to  the  Canon  repealing  the 
2d  Canon  of  1801,  which  limits  the  operation  of  the  4th 
Canon  of  1795;  and  the  question  being  taken  on  agreeing  to 
the  same,  it  was  determined  in  the  negative. 

A  memorial  was  presented  from  the  Vestry  of  Trinity 
Church,  Newark,  New  Jersey,  stating  that  a  very  unhappy 
difference,  which  appears  to  threaten  the  very  existence  of 
their  Church,  subsists  between  the  Rector  and  the  congrega- 


298  JOURNAL  OF  THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.        [1804. 

tion  of  said  Church,  and  praying  the  Convention  to  devise 
some  means  for  their  relief. 

The  above  memorial  was  referred  to  the  following  Com 
mittee,  to  report  thereon.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Blackwell,  Rev. 
Mr.  Haskell,  Rev.  Mr.  Brunson,  Rev.  Mr.  Hobart,  Rev. 
Mr.  Price,  Rev.  Dr.  Kemp,  William  Ogden,  Thomas  Cump- 
ston  and  Richard  K.  Heath,  Esqrs.  * 

The  following  Canons,  viz.,  a  Canon  additional  to  the  6th 
Canon  of  1795X  and  a  Canon  limiting  the  operation  of  the 
&th  Canon  of  1795,  were  sent  from  the  House  of  Bishops. 
The  first  Canon  was  read  and  concurred  in  by  this  house. 

The  office  of  induction  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bish 
ops  with  amendments,  which  were  adopted  by  this  house. 

Leave  of  absence  was  granted  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lilly  and 
Andrew  Hilliar  and  Nathan  Smith,  Esqrs.,  during  the  re 
mainder  of  the  Session: 

A  proposed  Canon  concerning  Lay  Readers  was  adopted, 
aaid  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  who  returned  it  with 
their  concurrence. 

A  proposed  Canon  was  adopted,  entitled  "  A  Canon  pro 
viding  for  an  accurate  view  of  the  state  of  the  Church  from 
time  to  time,"  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops  for  their 
concurrence. 

The  house  adjourned. 


MONDAY,  Sept.  17,  1804,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met. 

Prayers  were  read  by  the  Secretary,  as  Chaplain  to  the 
house. 

The  Committee  appointed  on  the  memorial  from  Trinity 
Church,  Newark,  New  Jersey,  made  report. 

>On  motion,  the  report  was  recommitted  to  the  same  Com 
mittee. 

The  house  adopted  a  proposed  substitute  to  the  Canon  sent 
from  the  House  of  Bishops,  limiting  the  operation  of  the  6th 
^Canon  of  1795,  and  sent  it  to  the  House  of  Bishops  for  their 
concurrence. 

Leave  of  absence  for  the  remainder  of  the  Session  was 
granted  to  Richard  K.  Heath,  Esq. 

A  proposed  Canon  was  adopted  concerning  candidates 
•coming  from  places  within  the  United  States,  in  which  the 
Constitution  of  the  Church  has  not  been  acceded  to.  A 


1804.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      299 

proposed  Canon  was  also  adopted,  respecting  the  dissolution 
of  all  pastoral  connection  between  Ministers  and  their  con 
gregations. 

The  above  Canons  were  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  following  message  was  received  from  the  House  of 
Bishops : 

"  The  House  of  Bishops  communicate  to  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  the  following  extract  from  their 
Journal. 

'  The  papers  presented  to  this  house  by  the  President, 
from  the  Rev.  Ammi  Rogers,  of  Connecticut,  requesting  their 
attention  to  sundry  matters  affecting  his  standing  in  the 
Church  and  his  private  character,  were  taken  into  considera 
tion.  Whereupon, 

'  Resolved, — That  there  be  declared  to  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  the  desire  of  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  that  if  any  members  of  that  house  possess  information 
respecting  the  conduct  of  said  Ammi  Rogers,  in  the  matters 
brought  before  the  House  of  Bishops,  which  matters  will  be 
communicated  by  the  Bishops  to  any  members  of  the  house 
aforesaid  who  may  desire  it,  such  members  will  lay  before  the 
House  of  Bishops  the  information  possessed  by  them  at  12 
o'clock.' ' 

Whereupon  the  house  Resolved, — That  any  members  who 
may  have  any  thing  to  communicate  to  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  on  the  subject  of  the  above  message,  have  leave  to  with 
draw  at  the  hour  mentioned. 

The  House  of  Bishops  also  informed  this  house  that  they 
had  concurred  in  the  following  Canons,  viz. :  A  Canon  pro 
viding  for  an  accurate  view  of  the  state  of  the  Church  from 
time  to  time;  and  the  proposed  substitute  to  the  Canon  lim 
iting  the  operation  of  the  6th  Canon  of  1795;  and  the  Ca 
non  concerning  candidates  coming  from  places  within  the 
United  States  which  have  not  acceded  to  the  Constitution  of 
the  Church ;  and  that  they  proposed  to  connect  the  Canon 
respecting  the  dissolution  of  all  pastoral  connection  between 
Ministers  and  their  congregations,  with  the  Canon  making 
an  addition  to  the  17th  Canon  of  1789;  in  which  proposi 
tion  the  house  concurred. 

A  proposed  Canon  respecting  differences  between  Minis 
ters  and  their  congregations  was  adopted,  and  sent  to  the 
House  of  Bishops  for  their  concurrence. 

A  Canon  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  entitled, 


300  JOURNAL   OF   THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.         [1804. 

"Notice  to  be  given  of  the  election  of  Ministers,"  which 
was  agreed  to,  with  amendments,  and  the  change  of  the  title 
to  "  Canon  concerning  the  election  and  induction  of  Ministers 
into  parishes  or  churches." 

A  proposed  Canon  concerning  Clergymen  ordained  by 
foreign  Bishops,  and  desirous  of  settling  in  this  Church,  was 
adopted,  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops  for  their  concur 
rence.  On  motion,  the  Committee  appointed  at  the  last 
Convention  to  report  such  additional  hymns  as  they  may 
think  are  adapted  to  Christian  worship,  was  discharged. 

The  house  adjourned. 


TUESDAY,  September  18,  1804,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  prayers  were  read  by  the  Secretary, 
as  Chaplain  to  the  house. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  stat 
ing  that  they  disagreed  to  the  amendments  to  the  Canon 
concerning  the  election  and  induction  of  Ministers  into  pa 
rishes  or  churches,  and  request  a  conference  on  the  subject; 
that  they  had  negatived  the  Canon  concerning  Clergymen 
ordained  by  foreign  Bishops,  and  that  they  had  passed  the 
Canon  respecting  differences  between  Ministers  and  their 
congregations,  with  amendments. 

The  house  agreed  to  the  amendments  of  the  House  of 
Bishops  to  the  last-mentioned  Canon,  and  to  the  conference 
requested. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Blackwell,  Rev.  Dr.  Kemp, 
and  Rev.  Mr.  Hobart,  be  a  Committee  to  manage  the  con 
ference  on  the  part  of  this  house ;  and  that,  with  the  concur 
rence  of  the  House  of  Bishops,  they  make  the  proposed  Ca 
non  concerning  foreign  clergymen  a  subject  of  the  con 
ference. 

The  Committee  withdrew,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bend  was  re 
quested  to  officiate  in  the  Secretary's  stead,  during  his  ab 
sonce. 

The  Committee  on  the  Memorial  of  Trinity  Church,  New 
ark,  made  the  following  report: 

"  The  Committee  on  the  Memorial  of  the  Vestry  of 
Trinity  Church,  Newark,  whose  report  was  yesterday  recom 
mitted  to  them,  made  report,  that  as  this  Convention  have 
passed  a  Canon  providing  for  such  cases  as  that  of  the  Vestry 


1804.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     301 

of  said  Church,  the  Committee  think  it  unnecessary  that  this 
house  should  go  into  an  investigation  of  the  affair." 

This  report  was  agreed  to  by  the  house. 

Resolved, — That  1000  copies  of  the  Journals,  1000  copies 
of  the  Office  of  induction,  and  1000  copies  of  each  of  the 
Sermons  preached  before  the  Convention,  be  published. 

The  President,  Secretary,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Harris  were 
appointed  a  Committee,  in  conjunction  with  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Moore,  to  publish  the  Journals.  The  House  of 
Bishops  concurred  in  the  appointment  of  this  Committee. 

The  house  took  into  consideration  the  place  at  which  the 
next  meeting  of  the  General  Convention  should  be  held,  and 
unanimously  determined  that  the  meeting  should  be  at  Bal 
timore. 

It  was  moved  and  seconded,  that  those  parts  of  the  Mi 
nutes  which  respect  the  petition  from  Trinity  Church,  New 
ark,  be  expunged. 

Resolved  unanimously, — That  they  be  not  expunged. 

Resolved, — That  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Parker  be  re 
quested  to  preach  a  Sermon  at  the  opening  of  the  next  Ge 
neral  Convention.  • 

The  Committee  of  Conference  returned,  and  reported  that 
the  House  of  Bishops  had  receded  from  their  negative  to  the 
amendment  proposed  by  this  house  to  the  Canon  concerning 
the  election  and  induction  of  Ministers  into  parishes  or 
churches,  and  proposed  another  amendment,  which  amend 
ment  was  agreed  to  by  this  house ;  and  also  that  they  receded 
from  their  negative  to  the  Canon  concerning  Clergymen  or 
dained  by  foreign  Bishops,  and  proposed  a  substitute,  which 
was  agreed  to  by  this  house. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
forming  that  they  had  established  a  course  of  study  for  can 
didates  for  Orders,  which  will  be  published  with  their 
Journal. 

A  proposed  Canon,  concerning  the  studies  of  candidates  for 
Orders,  was  adopted,  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops  for 
their  concurrence. 

A  proposed  Canon,  concerning  subscription  to  the  Articles 
of  the  Church,  was  negatived,  under  the  impression  that  a 
sufficient  subscription  to  the  Articles  is  already  required  by 
the  7th  Article  of  the  Constitution. 

A  proposed  Canon,  concerning  candidates  who  may  be  re- 


302      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1804. 

fused  orders,  was  adopted,  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops 
for  their  concurrence. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  it  be  made  known  to  the  dif 
ferent  State  Conventions,  that  it  is  proposed  in  the  next 
General  Convention  to  consider  and  determine  on  the  follow 
ing  proposed  alteration  to  the  General  Constitution  of  the ' 
Church,  viz.,  that  in  Art.  III.,  the  words  "  unless  adhered  to 
by  four-fifths  of  the  other  house,"  be  struck  out. 

The  above  resolution  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

A  resolution  was  adopted  concerning  the  arrangement  and 
publication  of  the  Constitution  and  ali  the  Canons  of  the 
Church,  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops  for  their  con 
currence. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  that 
they  had  agreed  to  the  resolution  respecting  a  proposed  al 
teration  in  the  Constitution;  to  the  Canon  concerning  can 
didates  who  may  be  refused  Orders;  to  the  resolutions  con 
cerning  printing  the  Journals,  Office  of  induction,  and  Ser 
mons;  and  that  they  proposed  an  amendment  to  the  reso 
lution  concerning  the  arrangement  and  publication  of  the 
Constitution  and  all  the  Canons  of  the  Church — which 
amendment  was  agreed  to,  and  the  resolution  passed  as 
follows,  viz. 

Resolved, — That  the  Committee  appointed  to  publish  the 
Journals  be  authorised  to  publish  the  Constitution  and  all  the 
Canons  of  the  Church  in  the  order  of  their  enaction,  making 
a  reference  by  asterisk,  at  the  end  of  every  Canon,  to  a  note 
pointing  out  the  various  other  Canons  which  refer  to  the 
subject  of  that  particular  Canon. 

The  Constitution  and  Canons  published  by  the  above  Com 
mittee,  and  the  Office  of  induction,  are  to  be  considered  as 
authorised  and  standard  copies. 

The  House  of  Bishops  also  informed  this  house  that  they 
had  negatived  the  Canon  concerning  the  studies  of  candidates 
for  Orders. 

The  following  message  was  also  received  from  the  House 
of  Bishops,  viz. 

"  The  House  of  Bishops  propose  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  that  the  adjournment  of  the  Convention 
be  accompanied  by  prayer,  in  the  presence  of  the  two  houses 
— the  presiding  Bishop  to  officiate." 

The  house  unanimously  concurred  in  the  above  resolution. 


1804.]   JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      303 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be 
returned  to  the  President  and  Secretary  for  their  services. 

The  House  of  Bishops  then  attended  in  the  chamber  of 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  when  prayers  were 
read  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White,  as  presiding  Bishop. 

The  house  rose. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties, 

ABRAHAM  BEACH,  PRESIDENT. 

JOHN  HENRY  HOBART,  Secretary. 


JOURNAL 


of  Pi 


NEW  YORK,  Sept.  11,  1804. 

being  the  day  appointed  for  the  Meeting  of 
the  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episco 
pal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  the 
Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  attended  in  Trinity  Church;  no 
other  member  of  this  house  appearing,  adjourned  till  to 
morrow,  at  9  o'clock  A.M.,  to  meet  in  the  house  of  the  Epis 
copal  Charity  School. 


WEDNESDAY,  Sept.  12,  1804,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met.  Present,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White, 
of  Pennsylvania;  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Claggett,  of  Mary 
land  ;  and  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  of  New  York. 

Resolved, — That  it  be  a  standing  rule  of  this  house,  that 
the  senior  Bishop  present  at  the  opening  of  any  Convention, 
shall  preside. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White,  in  consequence,  took  his 
seat  as  presiding  Bishop.' 

The  Rev.  Cave  Jones  was  appointed  Secretary  to  this 
house. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Jarvis,  of  Connecticut,  appeared 
and  took  his  seat. 

This  house  received  a  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
VOL.  I.— 20  (305) 


306      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1804.' 

and  Lay  Deputies,  informing  them  that  they  were  organized, 
and  ready  to  proceed  to  business. 

This  house  returned  information  that  they  were  also  ready 
for  the  same. 

A  resolution,  communicated  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  was  agreed  to  by  this  house,  "  That  the 
hours  of  meeting,  during  the  Session,  shall  be  from  9  o'clock 
A.M.,  to  3  o'clock  P.M." 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  the  requisite  testimonials  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker, 
Bishop  elect  of  the  State  of  Massachusetts. 

A  message  was  transmitted  to  the  said  house,  informing 
that  the  House  of  Bishops  approve  of  the  said  testimonials, 
and  will  proceed  to  the  consecration  of  Dr.  Parker  on  Fri 
day  next. 

Adjourned,  to  attend  divine  service  at  Trinity  Church. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Claggett  performed  service,  and 
the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  preached  a  Sermon  adapted  to 
the  occasion  of  the  meeting  of  this  Convention.  . 

After  which  the  house  again  met. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  informing  that  a  resolution  had  passed  that 
house,  "  That  the  thanks  of  the  Convention  be  presented  to 
the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  for  his  Sermon  preached  be 
fore  them  this  morning,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  furnish 
a  copy  for  publication." 

This  house  concurred  in  the  said  resolution,  and  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Moore  consented  to  comply  with  their  request. 

This  house  concurred  in  a  resolution  received  from  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  ratifying  the  alteration 
of  the  first  Article  of  the  Constitution,  as  proposed  at  the 
last  General  Convention. 

The  house  then  adjourned. 


THURSDAY,  Sept.  13,  1804,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

Present  as  yesterday 

This  house  came  to  a  resolution  to  attend  prayers,  during 
the  Session,  in  the  chamber  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies.  The  house  attended  accordingly. 

The  following  proposed  Canons  were  presented  from  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  viz.,  a  Canon  concern- 


1804.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      307 

ing  ministers  removing  from  one  diocese  or  State  to  another ; 
a  Canon  making  an  addition  to  the  17th  Canon  of  1789;  a 
Canon  repealing  the  2d  Canon  of  1801,  which  limits  the 
operation  of  the  4th  Canon  of  1795 ;  a  Canon  altering  the 
7th  Canon  of  1795. 

The  proposed  Canon,  entitled  "  A  Canon  concerning  Min 
isters  removing  from  one  diocese  or  State  to  another,"  was 
taken  into  consideration,  and  a  substitute  was  agreed  to,  and 
sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  house  then  adjourned. 


FRIDAY,  Sept.  4,  1804,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

Present  as  yesterday. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  informing  that  the  said  house  was  ready  to 
attend  the  consecration  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parker,  when  this 
house  shall  see  proper. 

This  house  informed  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu 
ties,  that  they  were  ready  to  proceed  immediately  to  the 
consecration. 

The  house  then  adjourned  for  the  above  purpose. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Bend  read  prayers,  and  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  White  delivered  a  Sermon,  and,  as  presiding  Bishop, 
performed  the  Consecration  service,  assisted  by  the  other 
Bishops  present. 

The  house  again  met. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  informing  that  the  said  house  had  come  to  a 
resolution,  "  That  the  thanks  of  the  Convention  be  presented 
to  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White  for  his  Sermon  preached  be 
fore  them  this  day,  at  the  consecration  of  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Parker,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy  for  pub 
lication." 

This  house  concurred  in  the  above  resolution;  and  Bishop 
White  acceded  to  the  request. 

The  proposed  Canon,  entitled  "  A  Canon  repealing  the 
2d  Canon  of  1801,  which  limits  the  operation  of  the  4th 
Canon  of  1795,"  was  returned  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  with  a  substitute. 

A  memorial  was  laid  on  the  table  by  the  President,  from 
the  Rev.  Ammi  Rogers,  accompanied  with  sundry  documents 


308      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1804. 

and  a  letter,  requesting  that  a  day  may  be  appointed  for  the 
consideration  of  the  points  therein  stated. 

Monday  next  was  assigned  for  the  above  purpose,  and 
notice  thereof  was  given  to  Mr.  Rogers. 

The  house  adjourned. 


SATURDAY,  Sept.  15,  1804,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 

The  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Parker,  who  was  yesterday  conse 
crated,  in  Trinity  Church,  Bishop  of  this  Church  in  the 
State  of  Massachusetts,  took  his  seat  in  this  house. 

A  Canon  was  passed,  entitled,  "  A  Canon  limiting .  the 
operation  of  the  6th  Canon  of  1795,"  and  was  sent  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

A  proposed  Office  was  presented  from  the  House  of  Cle 
rical  and  Lay  Deputies,  entitled  "An  Office  of  induction." 

A  proposed  Canon  was  adopted  by  this  house,  and  sent  to 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  entitled,  "  A  Canon 
additional  t«  the  6th  Canon  of  1795." 

The  substitute  to  the  Canon,  entitled  "  Concerning  Min 
isters  moving  from  one  diocese  or  State  to  another,"  which 
was  sent  from  this  house  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  was  returned  from  said  house,  with  an  amendment, 
which  was  adopted  by  this  house. 

The  proposed  office,  entitled  "  An  Office  of  induction," 
etc.,  was  returned  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu 
ties,  with  amendments. 

The  Canon  which  originated  in  this  house,  entitled  "  A 
Canon  additional  to  the  6th  Canon  of  1795,"  was  returned 
from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  with  a  mes 
sage  that  it  had  passed  that  house. 

The  proposed  substitute,  which  was  sent  by  this  house  to 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  for  the  proposed 
Canon,  entitled  "  A  Canon  repealing  the  2d  Canon  of  1801, 
which  limits  the  operation  of  the  4th  Canon  of  1795,"  was 
returned  from  that  house,  with  a  message  that  they  did  not 
concur  in  the  same. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  informing  that  the  amendments  proposed  by 
this  house  to  the  "  Office  of  induction,"  etc.,  had  been  adopt 
ed  by  that  house. 


1804.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      309 

A  proposed  Canon,  entitled  "  Canon  respecting  Lay 
Readers,"  was  presented  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  and  was  immediately  taken  up  and  passed  by 
this  house. 

The  house  then  adjourned  till  Monday  morning. 


MONDAY,  Sept.  17,  1804,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  on  Saturday. 

A  proposed  Canon  was  presented  from  the  House  of  Cle 
rical  and  Lay  Deputies,  entitled  "  Canon  providing  for  an 
accurate  view  of  the  state  of  the  Church  from  time  to  time," 
which  was  immediately  taken  up  and  passed. 

A  proposed  substitute  was  presented  from  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  to  the  Canon  entitled  "  Canon 
limiting  the  operation  of  the  6th  Canon  of  1795,"  which 
passed  this  house. 

The  papers  presented  to  this  house  by  the  President,  from 
the  Rev.  Amnii  Rogers,  of  Connecticut,  requesting  their  at 
tention  to  sundry  matters  affecting  his  standing  in  the 
Church  and  his  private  character,  were  then  taken  into  con 
sideration. 

Whereupon  Resolved,  — That  there  be  declared  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  the  desire  of  the  House 
of  Bishops,  that  if  any  members  of  that  house  possess  in 
formation  respecting  the  conduct  of  the  said  Ammi  Rogers, 
in  the  matters  brought  before  the  House  of  Bishops,  which 
matters  will  be  communicated  by  the  House  of  Bishops  to 
any  members  of  the  house  aforesaid  who  may  desire  it, 
such  members  will  lay  before  the  House  of  Bishops  the  in 
formation  possessed  by  them  at  12  o'clock. 

Resolved, — That  information  of  the  above  message  be 
communicated  to  the  Rev.  Ammi  Rogers,  in  order  that,  if  he 
have  any  further  matters  to  lay  before  the  House  of  Bishops, 
the  same  may  be  done  at  the  said  hour. 

The  information  required  in  the  above  resolution  was  ac 
cordingly  communicated. 

A  proposed  Canon  was  presented  from  the  House  of  Cleri 
cal  and  Lay  Deputies,  entitled  "  Canon  of  Candidates  com 
ing  from  places  within  the  United  States,  in  which  the  Con 
stitution  of  this  Church  has  not  been  acceded  to;"  which 
Canon  passed  this  house. 


310  JOURNAL   OF   THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.         [1804. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  a  proposed  Canon,  entitled,  "  Canon  respecting  the 
dissolution  of  all  pastoral  connection  between  Ministers  and 
congregations;"  which  was  taken  into  consideration.  Also 
the  proposed  Canon  presented  on  Thursday  last,  entitled 
"  Canon  making  addition  to  the  17th  Canon  of  1789,"  was 
taken  up. 

These  two  Canons  passed  this  house  with  amendments, 
and  an  incorporation  of  both  into  one  Canon. 

A  proposed  Canon,  entitled,  "  Notice  to  be  given  of  the 
election  of  Ministers,"  passed  this  house. 

Agreeably  to  the  resolution  of  the  last  General  Convention, 
this  house  considered  and  established  a  Course  of  Ecclesias 
tical  Studies  for  candidates  for  Holy  Orders. 

Twelve  o'clock. 

The  Clerical  Members  from  the  State  of  Connecticut  were 
admitted  to  a  hearing  on  the  subject  of  the  Rev.  Ammi 
Rogers;  when  Mr.  Rogers  was  also  called' in. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Baldwin  asked  for  leave  to  make  a  statement 
of  the  case,  which  was  granted. 

Documents  on  both  sides  were  then  read,  and  a  hearing 
was  given  to  the  parties  concerned. 

While  the  subject  of  Mr.  Rogers  was  under  consideration, 
several  Canons  were  presented  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  as  follow. 

A  Canon  respecting  differences  between  Ministers  and 
their  congregations;  proposed. 

Canon  respecting  the  dissolution  of  all  pastoral  connection 
between  ministers  and  congregations,  and  a  Canon  making 
addition  to  the  17th  Canon  of  1789;"  passed  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  with  amendments,  and  an  incor 
poration  into  one  Canon,  as  proposed  by  this  house. 

"Notice  to  be  given  of  the  election  of  Ministers,"  re 
turned  with  amendments,  and  an  alteration  of  the  title. 

"  Of  Clergymen  ordained  by  foreign  Bishops,  and  desir 
ous  of  settling  in  this  Church;"  proposed. 

The  house  then  adjourned  till  7  o'clock,  P.M. 

Seven  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  amendments  to  the  Canon  entitled  "Notice  to  be 
•given  of  the  election  of  Ministers,"  were  considered,  and  not 
agreed  to;  and  a  conference  thereupon  was  requested. 


1804.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      311 

The  Canon  respecting  differences  between  Ministers  and 
their  congregations,  was  passed  with  an  amendment. 

The  Canon,  "  Of  Clergymen  ordained  by  foreign  Bishops, 
and  desirous  of  settling  in  this  Church,"  was  negatived. 

The  Rev.  Ammi  Rogers  appeared,  and  asked  permission 
to  see  one  of  the  papers  presented  to  this  house  by  the  Cle 
rical  Deputies  from  Connecticut.  Whereupon  it  was 

Resolved, — That  nothing  shall  be  done  in  the  business  ex 
cept  in  the  presence  of  both  parties. 

Bishop  Claggett  obtained  leave  of  absence. 

The  house  then  adjourned  till  to-morrow,  8  o'clock  A.M. 


TUESDAY,  Sept.  18,  1804,  8  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met.  Present  as  yesterday,  except  Bishop 
Claggett. 

A  message  was  delivered  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  informing  that  the  said  house  had  agreed  to 
the  conference  requested  on  the  amendments  to  the  Canon, 
entitled  "  Notice  to  be  given  of  the  election  of  Ministers." 
This  house  agreed  to  enter  immediately  on  the  business. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Blackwell,  Rev.  Dr.  Kemp,  and  Rev.  Mr. 
Hobart,  appeared  as  a  Committee  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  to  enter  upon  the  conference  proposed. 
After  which  conference,  this  house  receded  from  their  non- 
concurrence,  on  condition  of  a  small  additional  amendment. 

A  conference  was  then  proposed  by  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies  on  the  Canon,  entitled  "  Of  Clergymen 
ordained  by  foreign  Bishops,"  etc.,  which  Canon  was  nega 
tived  by  this  house.  The  conference  was  assented  to,  and 
the  aforementioned  gentlemen  appeared  as  a  Committee  from 
the  house  on  the  subject.  Whereupon  a  substitute  was  pro 
posed  by  this  house,  and  sent  by  the  above  Committee. 

A  message  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties  informing  that,  agreeably  to  a  requisition  of  the  last 
General  Convention,  this  house  have  prepared  a  Course  of 
Ecclesiastical  Studies,  which  they  intend  to  publish  with 
their  Journals. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Shelton  appeared,  and  asked  permission  to 
lay  further  testimony  before  the  house  in  the  case  of  Mr. 
Ammi  Rogers. 

Leave  was  given,  on  condition  that  Mr.  Rogers  be  also  in 
formed. 


312      JOURNAL  OP  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1804. 

Both  parties  were  then  introduced,  and  further  hearing 
was  given  them. 

A  proposed  Canon  was  received  from  the  House  of  Cle 
rical  and  Lay  Deputies,  entitled,  "  Of  candidates  who  may 
be  refused  Orders,"  which  was  passed. 

Also  a  proposed  Canon,  entitled,  "  Concerning  the  studies 
of  candidates  for  Orders;"  which  was  negatived. 
,  A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  in  the  following  words : — "  The  House  of  Cle 
rical  and  Lay  Deputies  have  acceded  to  the  amendment  pro 
posed  by  the  House  of  Bishops  to  the  Canon  respecting  dif 
ferences  between  Ministers  and  their  congregations ;  and 
have  agreed  to  the  substitute  for  the  Canon  concerning  Cler 
gymen  ordained  by  foreign  Bishops ;  and  to  the  amendment 
to  the  Canon  entitled  '  Canon  concerning  the  election  and 
induction  of  Ministers  into  parishes  or  churches."' 

Also  a  message  was  received,  informing  that  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  have  agreed  to  the  following  re- 
solution : 

Resolved,  —  That  it  be  made  known  to  the  different 
State  Conventions,  that  it  is  proposed  in  the  next  Gen 
eral  Convention  to  consider  and  determine  on  the  follow 
ing  proposed  alteration  to  the  General  Constitution  of  the 
Church,  viz.,  that  in  Art.  III.,  the  following  words  be  stricken 
out,  "unless  adhered  to  by  four-fifths  of  the  other  house." 

The  above  resolution  was  concurred  in  by  this  house. 

Another  resolution  was  received  from  the  House  of  Cleri 
cal  and  Lay  Deputies,  in  the  following  words: 

Resolved, — That  the  Committee  appointed  to  publish  the 
Journals  be  authorised  to  publish  the  Constitution  and  all  the 
Canons  of  the  Church  in  the  order  of  their  enaction,  noting 
at  the  end  of  each  Canon  the  various  other  Canons  which 
refer  to  the  subject  of  that  particular  Canon." 

An  amendment  was  proposed  and  carried  in  this  house,  to 
strike  out  from  the  word  "  noting,"  and  insert  the  following 
words:  "  making  a  reference  by  asterisk,  at  the  end  of  every 
Canon,  to  a  note  pointing  out  the  various  other  Canons  which 
refer  to  the  subject  of  that  particular  Canon." 

This  amendment  was  concurred  in  by  the  House  of  Cleri 
cal  and  Lay  Deputies. 

A  message  was  received  in  the  following  words : 

"  The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  request  the 
concurrence  of  the  House  of  Bishops  to  a  resolution  for 


1804.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      313 

printing  1000  copies  of  the  Journals,  1000  Copies  of  the 
Office  of  induction,  and  1000  copies  of  each  of  the  Ser 
mons  preached  before  the  Convention ;  a  resolution  appoint 
ing  the  Rev.  Dr.  Beach,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Harris,  and  the  Rev- 
Mr.  Hobart,  in  conjunction  with  Bishop  Moore,  to  arrange 
the  Canons  of  this  Church ;  a  resolution  unanimously  passed 
by  the  house,  that  the  General  Convention  meet  next  at 
Baltimore;  and  a  resolution  that  Bishop  Parker  be  requested 
to  preach  at  the  opening  of  the  next  General  Convention. 

"  The  house  also  inform  the  House  of  Bishops,  that  it  is 
their  wish,  if  possible,  that  an  adjournment  of  the  Conven 
tion  should  take  place  this  morning." 

This  house  concurred  in  these  several  resolutions. 

On  motion  of  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Jarvis,  Resolved, — 
That  it  be  proposed  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties,  that  the  adjournment  of  the  Convention  be  accompa 
nied  by  prayer,  in  the  presence  of  the  two  houses — the  pre 
siding  Bishop  to  officiate." 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  sent  their  con 
currence. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  informing  that  said  house  are  ready  to  ad 
journ. 

The  house  then  attended  prayers  in  the  chamber  of  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

This  house  adjourned  to  meet  at  Bishop  Moore's  at  7 
o'clock,  P.M. 

Seven  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  House  of  Bishops  met  at  Bishop  Moore's  dwelling. 

Present:  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White,  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Moore,  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Parker. 

The  house  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  matters 
brought  before  them  by  the  Rev.  Ammi  Rogers,  and  came  to 
the,  following  determination  concerning  the  same. 

After  full  inquiry,  and  fair  examination  of  all  the  evidence 
that  could  be  procured,  it  appears  to  this  house,  that  the 
said  Ammi  Rogers  had  produced  to  the  Standing  Committee 
of  New  York  (upon  the  strength  of  which  he  obtained  Holy 
Orders)  a  certificate,  signed  with  the  name  of  the  Rev.  Philo 
Perry,  which  certificate  was  not  written  nor  signed  by  him. 

That  the  conduct  of  the  said  Ammi  Rogers,  in  the  State 
of  Connecticut,  during  his  residence  in  that  State,  since  he 


814  JOURNAL   OF  THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.         [1804. 

left  New  York,  has  been  insulting,  refractory,  and  schismat- 
ical  in  the  highest  degree;  and  were  it  tolerated,  would 
prove  subversive  Of  all  order  and  discipline  in  the  Church; 
and  that  the  statement  which  he  made  in  justification  of  his 
conduct,  was  a  mere  tissue  of  equivocation  and  evasion,  and 
of  course  served  rather  to  defeat  than  to  establish  his 
purpose. 

Therefore  this  house  do  approve  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
Church  in  Connecticut,  in  reproving  the  said  Ammi  Rogers, 
and  prohibiting  him  from  the  performance  of  any  ministe 
rial  duties  within  that  diocese;  and,  moreover,  are  of  opin 
ion,  that  he  deserves  a  severe  ecclesiastical  censure,  that  of 
degradation  from  the  ministry. 

In  regard  to  the  question,  To  what  authority  is  Mr.  Ro 
gers  amenable  ?  this  house  are  sensible,  that  there  not  having 
been,  previously  to  the  present  Convention,  any  sufficient 
provision  for  a  case  of  a  Clergyman  removing  from  one  di 
ocese  to  another,  it  might  easily  happen  that  different  senti 
ments  would  arise  as  to  this  point.  We  are  of  opinion,  that 
Mr.  Rogers'  residence  being  in  Connecticut,  it  is  to  the  au 
thority  of  that  diocese  he  is  exclusively  amenable.  But  as 
the  imposition  practiced  with  a  view  to  the  Ministry  was  in 
New  York,  we  recommend  to  the  Bishop  and  Standing  Com 
mittee  of  that  State,  to  send  to  the  Bishop  in  Connecticut 
such  documents,  duly  attested,  of  the  measure  referred  to,  as 
will  be  a  ground  of  proceedure  in  that  particular. 

We  further  direct  the  Secretary  to  deliver  a  copy  of  the 
above  to  the  Clerical  Deputies  from  Connecticut,  and  another 
copy  to  the  Rev.  Ammi  Rogers.  And  we  further  direct,  that 
either  of  the  aforesaid  parties  be  permitted  to  have  any  doc  • 
uments  respectively  delivered  in  by  them,  a  copy  of  it  being 
first  taken;  except  the  petition  and  affidavit  of  the  Rev. 
Ammi  Rogers,  of  which  he  may  have  a  copy  if  desired — as 
may  either  of  the  parties  have  of  any  document  delivered  by 
the  other  party. 

Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be  given  to  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Jones  for  his  services  as  Secretary. 

The  house  rose. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Bishops. 

WILLIAM  WHITE, 

PRESIDING  BISHOP. 

Attest:  CAVE  JONES,  Secretary  H.  B. 


APPENDIX. 


{Joursp  of  ^rrfpsiesfira!  $lubips, 

ESTABLISHED  BY  THE  HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS  IN  THE  CONVEN 
TION   OF   1804,    IN   PURSUANCE   OF   A   RESOLUTION   OF   THE 

PRECEDING  GENERAL  CONVENTION. 

In  attending  to  this  subject,  a  considerable  difficulty  occurs,  arising  out 
of  the  difference  of  the  circumstances  of  students,  in  regard  not  only  to 
intellectual  endowments  and  preparatory  knowledge  of  languages  and 
science,  but  to  access  to  authors,  and  time  to  be  devoted  to  a  preparation 
for  the  ministry.  For  in  accommodating  to  those  whose  means  are  slen 
der,  we  are  in  danger  of  derogating  from  the  importance  of  religious 
knowledge ;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  although  we  should  demand  all 
that  is  desirable,  we  shall  be  obliged  to  content  ourselves,  in  some  cases, 
with  what  is  barely  necessary. 

In  consideration  of  the  above,  it  will  be  expedient  to  set  down  such  a 
course  of  study,  as  is  accommodated  to  a  moderate  portion  of  time  and 
means ;  and  afterwards  to  suggest  provision,  as  well  for  a  more  limited  a  3 
for  a  more  enlarged  share  of  both. 

Let  the  student  be  required  to  begin  with  some  books  in  proof  of  the 
divine  authority  of  Christianity,  such  as  Grotius  on  the  Truth  of  the 
Christian  Religion,  Jenkins  on  the  Reasonableness  of  Christianity,  Pa- 
ley's  Evidences,  Lesly's  Methods  with  the  Jews  and  Deists ;  Stillingfleet's 
Origines  Sacra,  and  Butler's  Analogy.  To  the  above  should  be  added 
some  books  which  give  a  knowledge  of  the  objections  made  by  Deists. 
For  this  Leland's  view  may  be  sufficient,  except  that  it  should  be  followed 
by  answers  to  deistical  writers  since  Leland,  whose  works  and  the  answers 
to  them  may  be  supposed  known  to  the  student.  It  would  be  best,  if  cir 
cumstances  permit,  that  he  should  read  what  the  Deists  themselves  have 
written. 

-  After  the  books  in  proof  of  Revelation,  let  the  student,  previously  to 
the  reading  of  any  system  of  divinity,  study  the  Scriptures  with  the  help 
of  some  approved  commentators, — such  as  Patrick  and  Lowth  on  the 
Old  Testament,  and  Hammond,  or  Whitby,  or  Doddridge  on  the  New: 
being  aware,  in  regard  to  the  last-mentioned  author,  of  the  points  on 
which  he  differs  from  our  Church,  although  it  be  with  moderation  and 

(315) 


316  APPENDIX.  [1804. 

candour.  During  such  his  study  of  the  Scriptures,  let  him  read  some 
work  or  works  which  give  an  account  of  the  design  of  the  different  books, 
and  the  grounds  on  which  their  respective  authority  is  asserted ;  for  in 
stance,  Father  Simon's  Canon  of  Scripture,  Collier's  Sacred  Interpreter, 
Gray's  Key  to  the  Old  Testament,  and  Percy's  Key  to  the  New.  Let  the 
student  read  the  Scriptures  over  and  over,  referring  to  his  commentators 
as  need  may  require,  until  he  can  give  an  account  of  the  design  and 
character  of  each  book,  and  explain  the  more  difficult  passages  of  it. 
He  is  supposed  to  know  enough  of  profane  history  to  give  an  account 
of  that  also,  whenever  it  mixes  with  the  sacred.  There  are  certain  im 
portant  subjects  which  may  be  profitably  attended  to,  as  matters  of  dis 
tinct  study,  during  the  course  of  the  general  study  of  Scripture.  For  in 
stance  :  the  student  having  proceeded  as  far  as  the  Deluge,  may  read 
some  author  who  gives  a  larger  account  than  the  commentators  of  the 
particulars  attached  to  that  crisis,  and  also  the  principles  on  which  are 
founded  the  different  systems  of  chronology:  all  of  which  will  be  found 
clearly  done  in  the  Universal  History.  In  reading  the  book  of  Leviticus, 
it  will  be  useful  to  attend  to  some  connected  scheme  of  the  sacrifices, 
such  as  is  exhibited  by  Bishop  Kidder  in  his  Introduction  to  the  Penta 
teuch,  and  by  Mr.  Joseph  Mede  in  some  of  his  discourses.  A  more  full 
and  interesting  interpretation  of  the  Prophecies  than  can  be  expected 
from  the  commentators,  will  be  desirable ;  and  for  this  purpose,  let  Bishop 
Newton's  work  be  taken.  Between  the  study  of  the  Old  Testament  and 
that  of  the  New,  should  be  read  Prideaux  and  Shuckford's  Connections. 
With  the  New  Testament  should  be  taken  some  book  relating  to  the 
Harmony  of  the  Gospels,  as  M'Knight's  or  Bishop  Newcome's.  Let  the 
student,  before  entering  on  the  Gospels,  read  Dr.  Campbell's  Introductory 
Dissertations.  Towards  the  close  of  the  Gospels,  the  subject  of  the  Re 
surrection  should  be  particularly  attended  to  ;  for  which  purpose  let  there 
be  taken  either  Mr.  West  on  the  subject,  or  Bishop  Sherlock's  Trial  of 
the  Witnesses. 

After  the  study  of  the  Scriptures,  let  attention  be  given  to  ecclesiasti 
cal  history,  so  far  as  the  Council  of  Nice.  This  period  is  distinctly  taken 
from  a  desire  that  the  portion  of  history  preceding  it,  as  well  as  the  opin 
ions  then  entertained,  may  be  learned  from  original  writers ;  which  may 
be  considered  as  one  of  the  best  expedients  for  the  guarding  of  the 
student  against  many  errors  of  modern  times.  The  writers  of  that  inter 
val  are  not  numerous  or  bulky.  Eusebius  is  soon  read  through,  and  so 
are  the  Apostolic  Fathers.  Even  the  other  writers  are  not  voluminous, 
except  Origen,  the  greater  part  of  whose  works  may  be  passed  over. 
The  Apostolic  Fathers  may  be  best  read  in  Cotelerius's  edition ;  but  there 
are  translations  of  most  of  them  by  Archbishop  Wake  and  the  Rev.  Wil 
liam  Reeves.  Cave's  Lives  of  the  Apostles  and  Fathers  may  be  profit 
ably  read  at  this  period. 

This  stage  of  the  student's  progress  seems  the  most  proper  for  the 
study  of  the  two  questions,  of  our  Lord's  divinity  and  of  Episcopacy. 
The  aspect  of  early  works  on  these  subjects,  best  enables  us  to  ascertain 
in  what  shape  they  appeared  to  the  respective  writers.  And  it  is  difficult 
to  suppose,  on  the  ground  of  what  we  know  of  human  nature,  that  during 
the  first  three  centuries,  either  the  character  of  Christ  should  have  been 
conceived  of  as  materially  different  from  what  had  been  the  representa 
tion  of  it  by  the  first  teachers  of  our  religion ;  or,  that  there  should  have 
been  a  material  change  of  Church  government,  without  opposition  to  the 


1804.] 


APPENDIX.  317 


innovation.  For  the  former  question,  let  the  works  of  Bishop  Bull  and 
the  Rev.  Charles  Lesly  be  taken ;  to  which  may  well  be  added  the  late 
controversy  between  Bishop  Horsley  and  Dr.  Priestley;  and  for  the  lat 
ter,  Mr.  Hooker's  Ecclesiastical  Polity,  Archbishop  Potter  on  Church 
Government,  and  Daubeny's  Guide  to  the  Church.  As  the  Lord  Chancel 
lor  King  published  a  book  on  the  Discipline  of  the  Primitive  Church,  in 
which  he  has  rested  Episcopacy  on  insufficient  grounds,  unwarily  admit 
ted  by  many  on  his  authority,  let  the  student  read  his  book,  and  the  refu 
tation  of  it  in  Mr.  Slater's  Original  Draft  of  the  Primitive  Church. 

After  this,  let  the  student  go  on  with  the  history  of  the  fourth  century, 
from  Mosheim.  But  it  will  be  of  advantage  to  him  to  turn  to  Fleury's, 
history  for  the  epitomies  there  given  of  the  writings  of  the  eminent  men 
who  abounded  in  that  century  and  part  of  the  next.  Let  him  then  return 
to  Mosheim,  and  go  on  with  that  writer  to  the  Reformation.  Here  let 
him  pause  and  study,  as  the  main  hinges  of  Popery,  its  pretences  to  su 
premacy  and  infallibility;  on  which  there  will  be  found  satisfactory  mat 
ter  in  Mr.  Chilli ngworth's  Religion  of  Protestants  a  Safe  Way  to  Salva 
tion,  and  Dr.  Barrow's  treatise  Of  the  Pope's  Supremacy.  Here  also  let 
there  be  read  Father  Paul's  History  of  the  Council  of  Trent.  Then  let 
the  student  resume  Mosheim.  But  it  will  be  best  if,  for  a  more  minute 
knowledge  of  the  History  of  the  Church  of  England  since  the  Reforma 
tion,  he  take  along  with  him  Collier's  History — a  very  able  work,  but  in 
the  reading  of  which  some  allowance  must  be  made  for  peculiar  preju 
dices.  On  coming,  in  the  reign  of  Elizabeth,  to  the  questions  which 
arose  between  the  Divines  of  the  Established  Church  and  the  Presbyte 
rians,  then  known  by  the  name  of  Puritans,  let  recourse  be  had  again  to 
Mr.  Hooker's  work  and  to  the  London  Cases.  Then  let  Mosheim  be  pro 
ceeded  with  to  the  end. 

After  these  studies,  and  not  before,  let  Divinity  be  read  in  a  systematic 
method.  Bishop  Pearson's  Exposition  of  the  Creed  may  be  considered 
as  a  small  system,  and  on  account  of  the  excellence  of  the  work  is  re 
commended;  as  also  Bishop  Burnet's  Exposition  of  the  Thirty-nine 
Articles.  Then  let  a  larger  system  be  taken;  suppose  Stackhouse's 
Body  of  Divinity,  with  the  addition  of  the  following  modern  works : — 
Elements  of  Christian  Theology,  by  the  present  Bishop  of  Lincoln,  and 
the  Scholar  Armed.  That  many  works  of  this  sort  are  not  mentioned,  is 
because  we  think  their  utility  is  principally  confined  to  arrangement,  and 
suppose  that  the  knowledge  they  convey  is  to  be  obtained  from  the  Scrip 
tures  and  judicious  commentators. 

It  seems  necessary  to  this  course  of  study,  to  recommend  the  Sermons 
of  some  of  the  most  distinguished  preachers ;  who  have  so  abounded  in 
the  Church  of  England  for  some  ages  past,  that  the  only  matter  will  be, 
from  among  many  of  great  name,  to  select  a  convenient  number.  And 
for  this  purpose  we  refer  to  the  list  at  the  end. 

It  seems  not  unnecessary  to  require  attention  to  the  History  of  the 
Common  Prayer,  the  grounds  on  which  the  different  Services  are  con 
structed,  and  the  meaning  of  the  Rubrics.  Perhaps  a  careful  study  of 
Dr.  Wheatley  on  the  Common  Prayer,  and  of  the  late  work  of  Mr.  Reeves, 
will  be  sufficient. 

Some  books  should  be  read  on  the  duties  of  the  Pastoral  office ;  such  ' 
as   St.  Chrysostom  on   the  Priesthood,  Bishop  Burnet  on   the    Pastoral 
Care,  and  Bishop  Wilson's  Parochialia.     It  is,  however,  to  be  remember 
ed,  that  one  reason  of  studying  carefully  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer 


318  APPENDIX.  [1804 

and  its  Rubrics,  is  that,  by  the  help  of  these,  in  connection  with  what 
belongs  in  Scripture  to  the  ministerial  character,  sufficient  information  of 
its  duties  may  be  had. 

A  knowledge  of  the  Constitution  and  the  Canons  should  be  held  abso 
lutely  necessary.  And  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  they  will,  on  this  account, 
be  soon  published,  detached  from  the  Journals. 

To  set  down  what  books  shall  be  essential,  no  student  to  be  ordained 
without  being  fully  prepared  to  answer  on  them,  is  more  difficult.  The 
lowest  requisition  is  as  follows : — Paley's  Evidences ;  Mosheim,  with  a 
reference  to  Mr.  Hooker  for  the  Episcopacy ;  Stackhouse's  Body  of  Di 
vinity,  and  Mr.  Beeves  on  the  Common  Prayer ;  the  Constitution  and 
Canons  of  the  Church  ;  allowing  in  the  study  of  the  Scriptures  a  latitude 
of  choice  among  the  approved  commentators ;  it  being  understood,  that 
if  the  student  cannot,  on  the  grounds  contained  in  some  good  Commen 
tary,  give  an  account  of  the  different  books,  and  explain  such  passages 
as  may  be  proposed  to  him,  this  is  of  itself  a  disqualification. 

In  the  beginning  it  was  intimated,  that  the  course  to  be  recommended 
would  be  disproportioned  to  the  means  of  some,  and  fall  short  of  what 
would  be  within  the  compass  of  others.  For  the  benefit  of  the  latter,  we 
publish  the  following  list  of  books  on  the  different  branches  of  ecclesias 
tical  knowledge. 

During  the  whole  course  of  study,  the  student  will  endeavour,  by  the 
grace  of  God,  to  cultivate  his  heart  by  attention  to  devotional  and  prac 
tical  treatises,  several  of  which  will  be  mentioned  in  the  general  list  that 
follows. 


LIBRARY  OF  A  PARISH  MINISTER, 

Prefixed  to  "  Elements  of  Christian  Theology,"  published 

by  the  Right  Rev.  the  present  Bishop  of  Lincoln. 

The  books  mentioned  are  divided  into  four  classes. 

The  first  containing  such  as  relate  to  the  exposition  of  the  Old  and 
New  Testaments;  the  second,  such  as  serve  to  establish  the  divine  au 
thority  of  the  Scriptures ;  the  third,  such  as  explain  the  doctrines  and 
discipline  of  the  Church  and  the  duties  of  its  Ministers ;  and  the  fourth, 
miscellaneous,  including  Sermons  and  Ecclesiastical  History. 

CLASS   THE    FIRST. 

Bible,  with  marginal  references,  8vo. 

Crutwell's  Concordance  of  Parallels,  4to. 

Butterworth's  Concordance,  8vo. 

Patrick,  Lowth,  and  Whitby,  on  the  Old  and  New  Testament,  6  vols.  fol. 

Doddridge's  Family  Expositor,  6  vols.  8vo. 

Pool's  Synopsis,  5  vols.  folio. 

Collier's  Sacred  Interpreter,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Jenning's  Jewish  Antiquities,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Lowman's  Rationale  of  the  Hebrew  Ritual,  8vo. 

Gray's  Key  to  the  Old  Testament,  8vo, 

Home's  Scripture  History  of  the  Jews,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Parkhurst's  Greek  Lexicon,  4to. 

Campbell's  Translation  of  the  Gospels,  2  vols.  4to. 

Marsh's  Michaelis,  3  vols.  8vo. 


1804.] 


APPENDIX.  31 9 


Bowyer's  Conjectures  on  the  New  Testament,  4to. 
Macknight's  Harmony,  4to. 
Macknight  on  the  Epistles,  3  vols.  4to. 
Lowman  on  the  Revelation,  8vo. 
Oliver's  Scripture  Lexicon,  8vo. 
Macbean's  Dictionary  of  the  Bible,  8vo. 

CLASS   THE    SECOND. 

Stillingfleet's  Origines  Sacrae,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Clarke's  Grotius,  8vo. 

Clarke's  Evidences  of  Natural  and  Revealed  Religion,  8vO. 

Lardner's  Works,  11  vols.  8vo. 

Paley's  Evidences,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Paley's  Horae  Paulinas,  8vo.  • 

Tenkins  on  the  Certainty  and  Reasonableness  of  Christianity,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Leland  on  the  Advantage  and  Necessity  of  Revelation,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Leland's  View  of  Deistical  Writers,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Butler's  Analogy,  8vo. 

Campbell  on  Miracles,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Newton  on  the  Prophecies,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Kelt's  History  the  Interpreter  of  Prophecy,  3  vols.  12mo. 

Leland  on  the  Divine  Authority  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament,  2  vols. 

CLASS    THE    THIRD. 

Burnet's  History  of  the  Reformation,  3  vols.  folio. 

Burnet's  Exposition  of  the  Thirty-nine  Articles,  8vo. 

Burnet's  Pastoral  Care,  8vo. 

Pearson  on  the  Creed,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Nicholls  on  the  Common  Prayer,  8vo. 

Wheatley  on  the  Common  Prayer,  8vo. 

Shepherd  on  the  Common  Prayer,  8vo. 

Wilson's  Parochialia,  12mo. 

Wall  on  Infant  Baptism,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Seeker  on  the  Catechism,  12mo. 

'Seeker's  Charges,  8vo. 

The  Homilies,  by  Sir  Adam  Gordon,  8vo. 

Daubeny's  Guide  to  the  Church. 

Daubeny's  Appendix  to  the  same,  2  vols. 

CLASS    THE    FOURTH. 

Cudworth's  Intellectual  System,  2  vols.  4to. 

Hooker's  Ecclesiastical  Polity,  3  vols.  8vo. 

Bingham's  Antiquities,  2  vols.  folio. 

Broughton's  Dictionary  of  all  Religions,  2  vols.  folio. 

Shuckford's  Connection,  4  vob?.  8vo. 

Prideaux's  Connection,  4  vols.  8vo. 

Echard's  Ecclesiastical  History,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Mosheim's  Ecclesiastical  History,  6  vols.  8vo. 

Burns'  Ecclesiastical  Law,  4  vols.  8vo. 

Common  Place  Book  to  the  Holy  Bible,  4to. 

Barrow's  Works,  3  vols:  folio. 

Tillotson's  Works,  3  vols.  folio. 

Clarke's  Sermons,  8  vols.  8vo. 


320  APPENDIX.  [1804. 

Sl-erlock's  Sermons,  5  vols.  8vo.. 

Seeker's  Sermons,  9  vols.  8vo. 

Scott's  Christian  Life,  5  vols.  8vo. 

Whole  Duty  of  Man,  12mo. 

Scholar  Armed,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Tracts  by  Society  for  Christian  Knowledge,  12  vols.  12mo. 

In  addition  to  the  preceding,  may  be  recommended  the  following  list 
of  Sermons  and  devotional  and  practical  books. 

Sermons  by  Bishop  Pearce,  Bishop  Wilson,  Bishop  Home,  Bishop  Por- 
teus,  Dr.  Jortin,  Dr.  Brady ;  by  the  late  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Seabury  of 
this  Church;  by  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  of  the  same;  Bishop  Gibson's 
Tracts;  Bishop  Home's  Commentary  on  the  Psalms;  Rev.  Wm.  Jones's 
(of  Nayland)  Works;  Nelson's  Festivals  and  Fasts  of  the  Church,  Nel 
son's  •  Practice  of  True  Devotion;  Nelson's  Christian  Sacrifice;  Bishop 
Taylor's  Rule  of  Holy  Living  and  Dying ;  Scougall's  Life  of  God  in  the 
Soul  of  Man;  Dr.  Sherlock  on  Death, — on  Judgment, — on  a  Future 
State, — on  Providence^- 

BY  ORDER  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS: 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.D.,  PRESIDING  BISHOP. 


(jfinons. 


PASSED  IN  1804. 


CANON  I. — Concerning  the  Election  and  Induction  of  Minis 
ters  into  Parishes  or  Churches. 

It  is  hereby  required,  that  on  the  election  of  a  Minister  into  any  church 
or  parish,  the  Vestry  shall  deliver,  or  cause  to  be  delivered  to  the  bishop, 
or,  where  there  is  no  bishop,  to  the  standing  committee  of  the  diocese, 
notice  of  the  same,  in  the  following  form,  or  to  this  effect. 

"  We  the  church  wardens  [or  in  case  of  an  associated  rector  or  assist 
ant  minister,  We,  the  rector  and  church  wardens]  do  certify  to  the  Right 
Rev.  [naming  the  bishop],  or  to  the  rev.  [naming  the  President  of  the 
standing  committee]  that  [naming  the  person]  has  been  duly  chosen 
rector  [or  associated  rector,  or  assistant  minister,  as  the  case  may  be] 
of  [naming  the  parish,  or  church,  or  churches]." 

Which  certificate  shall  be  signed  with  the  names  of  those  who  certify. 

And  if  the  bishop  or  the  standing  committee  be  satisfied  that  the  per 
son  so  chosen  is  a  qualified  minister  of  this  church,  the  bishop,  or  the 
president  of  the  standing  committee,  shall  transmit  the  said  certificate  to 
the  secretary  of  the  Convention,  who  shall  record  it  in  a  book  to  be  kept 
by  him  for  that  purpose.  And  if  the  minister  elect  be  a  presbyter,  the 
bishop,  or  the  president  of  the  standing  committee,  shall  proceed  to  have 
him  inducted  according  to  the  Office  established  by  this  Church.  But  if 
he  be  a  Deacon,  the  act  of  induction  shall  not  take  place  till  after  he 
shall  have  received  priest's  orders,  when  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  bishop 
or  president  to  have  it  performed. 

But  if  the  bishop  or  the  standing  committee  be  not  satisfied  as  above, 
he  or  they  shall,  at  the  instance  of  the  parties,  proceed  to  inquire  into  the 
sufficiency  of  the  person  so  chosen,  according  to  such  rules  as  may  be 
made  in  the  respective  dioceses,  and  shall  confirm  or  reject  the  appoint 
ment,  as  the  issue  of  that  enquiry  may  be. 

No  minister,  who  may  be  hereafter  elected  into  any  parish  or  church, 
shall  be  considered  as  a  regularly  admitted  and  settled  parochial  minister 
in  any  diocese  or  state,  or  shall,  as  such,  have  any  vote  in  the  choice  of  a 
bishop,  until  he  shall  have  been  inducted  according  to  the  Office  prescribed 
by  this  Church. 

The  17th  Canon  of  1789,  and  the  third  Canon  of  1799,  are  hereby  re 
pealed. 

CANON  II.  Respecting  the  dissolution  of  all  pastoral  con 
nection  between  Ministers  and  their  Congregations. 

When  any  minister  has  been  regularly  inducted  or  settled  in  a  parish 
or  church,  he  shall  not  be  dismissed  without  the  concurrence  of  the  ec- 

VOL.  I.— 21  (321) 


322  APPENDIX.  [1804. 

clesiastical  authority  of  the  diocese  or  state;  and  in  case  of  his  dismission 
without  such  concurrence,  the  Vestry  or  congregation  of  such  parish  or 
Church  shall  have  no  right  to  a  representation  in  the  Convention  of  the 
state,  until  they  have  made  such  satisfaction  as  the  Convention  may  re 
quire.  Nor  shall  any  minister  leave  his  congregation  against  their  will, 
without  the  concurrence  of  the  ecclesiastical  authority  aforesaid ;  and  if 
he  shall  leave  them  without  such  concurrence,  he  shall  not  be  allowed  to 
take  a  seat  in  any  Convention  of  this  Church,  or  be  eligible  into  any 
Church  or  parish  within  the  states  which  have  acceded  to  the  Constitu 
tion  of  this  Church,  until  he  shall  have  made  such  satisfaction  as  the  ec 
clesiastical  authority  of  the  diocese  or  state  may  require. 

In  the  case  of  the  regular  and  canonical  dissolution  of  the  connection 
between  a  minister  and  his  congregation,  the  bishop,  or  if  there  be  no 
bishop,  the  standing  committee  shall  direct  the  secretary  of  the  Conven 
tion  to  record  the  same.  But  if  the  dissolution  of  the  connection  between 
any  minister  and  his  congregation  be  not  regular  or  canonical,  the  bishop 
or  standing  committee  shall  lay  the  same  before  the  Convention  of  the  di 
ocese  or  state,  in  order  that  the  above-mentioned  penalties  may  take 
effect. 

CANON"  IH. — Concerning   Ministers  removing  from   one 
Diocese  or  State  to  another. 

No  minister,  removing  from  one  diocese  to  another,  or  coming  from 
any  state  which  may  not  have  acceded  to  the  Constitution  of  this  church, 
shall  be  received  as  a  minister  by  any  congregation  of  this  Church,  until 
he  shall  have  presented  to  the  Vestry  thereof  a  certificate  from  the  eccle 
siastical  authority  of  the  diocese  or  state  to  which  he  is  about  to  remove, 
that  he  has  produced  to  them  satisfactory  testimonials  that  he  has  not 
been  justly  liable  to  evil  report,  for  error  in  religion  or  viciousness  of  life, 
during  the  three  years  last  past ;  which  testimonials  shall  be  signed  by 
the  bishop  or  bishops,  or,  where  there  is  no  bishop,  by  the  majority  of  the 
clerical  members  of  the  standing  committee  or  committees  of  the  diocese 
or  dioceses  wherein  he  has  resided  j  which  committee  or  committees  shall, 
in  all  cases,  be  duly  convened:  or,  in  case  he  comes  from  a  state  not  in 
connection  with  this  Church,  and  having  no  Convention,  by  three  clergy 
men  of  this  Church.  Nor  shall  any  minister,  so  removing,  be  received 
by  any  Vestry,  or  acknowledged  by  any  bishop  or  Convention,  as  a  min 
ister  of  the  Church  to  which  he  removes,  until  he  shall  have  produced 
the  aforesaid  testimonials. 

Every  minister  shall  be  amenable  for  any  offences  committed  by  him, 
in  any  diocese,  to  the  ecclesiastical  authority  of  the  diocese  in  which  he 
resides. 

CANON  IV. — Respecting  differences  between  Ministers  and 
their  Congregations. 

In  cases  of  controversy  between  ministers  who  now,  or  may  hereafter 
hold  the  rectorship  of  churches  or  parishes,  and  the  vestry  or  congrega 
tion  of  such  churches  or  parishes,  which  controversies  are  of  such  a  na 
ture  as  cannot  be  settled  by  themselves,  the  parties,  or  either  of  them, 
shall  make  application  to  the  bishop  of  the  diocese,  or,  in  case  there  be 
no  bishop,  to  the  Convention  of  the  state.  And  .if  it  appear  to  the  bishop 


1804.]  APPENDIX.  323 

and  his  presbyters,  or,  if  there  be  no  bishop,  to  the  Convention,  or  the 
standing  committee  of  the  diocese  or  state,  if  the  authority  should  be 
committed  to  them  by  the  Convention,  that  the  controversy  has  proceeded 
to  such  lengths,  as  to  preclude  all  hope  of  its  favourable  termination,  and 
that  a  dissolution  of  the  connection  which  exists  between  them  is  indis 
pensably  necessary  to  restore  the  peace  and  promote  the  prosperity  of  the 
Church :  the  Bishop  and  his  presbyters,  or,  if  there  be  no  bishop,  the 
Convention,  or  the  standing  committee  of  the  diocese  or  state,  if  the  au 
thority  should  be  committed  to  them  by  the  Convention,  shall  recommend 
to  such  ministers  to  relinquish  their  titles  to  their  rectorships,  on  such 
conditions  as  may  appear  reasonable  and  proper  to  the  bishop  and  his 
presbyters,  or,  if  there  be  no  bishop,  to  the  Convention,  or  the  standing 
committee  of  the  diocese  or  state,  if  the  authority  should  be  committed 
to  them  by  the  Convention.  And  if  such  rectors  or  congregations  refuse 
to  comply  with  such  recommendations,  the  Bishop  and  his  presbyters,  or, 
if  there  be  no  bishop,  the  Convention  or  the  standing  committee  of  the 
diocese  or  state,  if  the  authority  should  be  committed  to  them  by  the  Con 
vention,  with  the  aid  and  consent  of  a  bishop,  may,  at  their  discretion, 
proceed  according  to  the  Canons  of  the  Church,  to  suspend  the  former 
from  the  exercise  of  any  ministerial  duties  within  the  diocese  or  state,  and 
prohibit  the  latter  from  a  seat  in  the  Convention,  until  they  retract  such 
refusal,  and  submit  to  the  terms  of  the  recommendation ;  and  any  minis 
ter  so  suspended  shall  not  be  permitted,  during  his  suspension,  to  exercise 
any  ministerial  duties  in  any  other  diocese  or  state.  This  Canon  shall 
apply  also  to  the  cases  of  associated  rectors  and  assistant  ministers  and 
their  congregations. 

CANON  V. — Of  Clergymen  ordained  by  foreign  Bishops,  and 
desirous  of  settling  in  this  Church. 

A  clergyman  coming  from  a  foreign  country,  and  professing  to  be  re 
gularly  ordained,  shall,  before  he  be  permitted  to  officiate  in  any  parish 
or  church,  exhibit  to  the  Vestry  thereof  satisfactory  evidence  of  his  moral 
character,  and  a  certificate  signed  by  the  bishop  of  the  diocese,  or,  where 
there  is  no  bishop,  by  three  clerical  members  of  the  standing  committee, 
that  his  letters  of  Orders  are  authentic,  and  given  by  some  bishop  whose 
authority  is  acknowledged  by  this  Church.  And  should  any  such  cler 
gyman  desire  to  settle  in  any  diocese,  he  shall  first  obtain  the  license  of 
the  bishop,  or,  where  there  is  no  bishop,  the  permission  of  three  clerical 
members  of  the  standing  committee,  to  officiate  within  the  diocese  or 
state.  And  if,  within  one  year,  he  shall  be  guilty  of  any  unworthy  con 
duct,  the  bishop,  or,  where  there  is  no  bishop,  three  clerical  members  of 
the  standing  committee,  shall  withdraw  this  license  or  permission ;  nor 
shall  he  be  allowed  to  discharge  the  clerical  functions,  till  he  shall  have 
produced  to  the  bishop  such  testimonials  as  are  prescribed  in  the  2d  Ca 
non  of  1795,  or  to  the  clerical  members  of  the  standing  committee,  such 
credentials  as  would  induce  them  to  give  said  testimonials. 

And  in  any  case,  before  he  shall  be  entitled  to  be  inducted  into  a  parish 
or  church,  he  shall  have  resided  one  year  in  the  United  States. 

And  if  any  such  foreign  clergyman  shall  remove  from  one  diocese  to 
another,  before  one  year  have  expired,  he  shall  not  be  allowed  by  the  ec 
clesiastical  authority  of  the  diocese  to  which  he  goes,  to  officiate  in  said 
diocese,  till  he  shall  have  complied  with  the  requisitions  of  the  Canon, 
concerning  ministers  removing  from  one  diocese  or  state  to  another. 

The  9th  Canon  of  the  Convention  of  1789  is  hereby  repealed. 


324  APPENDIX.  [1804. 

.  CANON  VI. — Limiting  the  operation  of  Canon  6,  of  1795. 

When  a  minister  of  any  other  denomination  of  Christians  shall  apply 
for  Orders  in  this  Church,  the  Bishop  to  whom  application  is  made,  being 
satisfied  that  he  "is  a  man  of  piety  and  unexceptionable  character,  that  he 
holds  the  doctrines  of  the  Church,  and  that  he  possesses  all  the  literary 
and  other  qualifications  required,  and  being  furnished  with  testimonials 
from  the  standing  committee  duly  convened,  may  ordain  him  as  soon  as 
is  convenient.  In  all  such  cases  the  standing  committee  may  insert  in 
their  testimonials  the  words,  "  We  believe  him  to  be  sincerely  attached  to 
the  doctrines  and  discipline  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,"  instead 
of  the  words,  "  and  hath  not  written,  taught,  or  held  any  thing  contrary 
to  the  doctrine  or  discipline  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church." 

CANON  VII. — Additional  to  Canon  6,  of  1795. 

Every  candidate  for  Holy  Orders,  who  may  be  recommended  by  a 
standing  committee  of  any  Church  destitute  of  a  bishop,  if  he  have  re 
sided  for  the  greater  part  of  the  three  years  last  past  within  the  diocese 
of  any  bishop,  shall  apply  to  such  bishop  for  ordination.  And  such  can 
didate  shall  produce  the  usual  testimonials,  as  well  from  the  committee  of 
the  diocese  in  which  he  has  resided,  as  from  the  committee  of  the  Church 
in  the  state  for  which  he  is  to  be  ordained. 

CANON  VIII. — Of  Candidates  coming  from  places  within 
the  United  States,  in  which  the  Constitution  of  this 
Church  has  not  been  acceded  to. 

It  is  hereby  declared,  that  the  Canons  of  this  Church,  which  respect 
candidates  for  Holy  Orders,  shall  affect  as  well  those  coming  from  places 
in  the  United  States  in  which  the  Constitution  of  this  Church  has  not 
been  acceded  to,  as  those  residing  in  States  in  which  it  has  been  adopted ; 
and  in  such  cases,  every  candidate  shall  produce  to  the  bishop,  to  whom 
he  may  apply  for  Holy  Orders,  the  requisite  testimonials,  subscribed  by 
the  standing  committee  of  the  diocese. 

CANON  IX. — Of  Candidates  who  may  he  refused  Orders. 

No  bishop  shall  ordain  any  candidate  until  he  has  required  of  him, 
whether  he  has  ever,  directly  or  indirectly,  applied  for  Orders  in  any 
other  diocese  or  state ;  and  if  the  bishop  has  reason  to  believe  that  the 
candidate  has  been  refused  Orders  in  any  other  diocese  or  state,  he  shall 
write  to  the  bishop  of  the  diocese,  or,  if  there  be  no  bishop,  to  the  stand 
ing  committee,  to  know  whether  any  just  cause  exists  why  the  candidate 
should  not  be  ordained.  When  any  bishop  rejects  the  application  of  any 
candidate  for  Orders,  he  shall  immediately  give  notice  to  the  bishop  of 
every  state  or  diocese,  or,  where  there  is  no  bishop,  to  the  standing  com 
mittee. 

CANON  X. — Respecting  Lay  Readers. 

No  candidate  for  Holy  Orders  shall  take  upon  him  to  perform  devo 
tional  service  in  any  Church,  but  by  the  permission  of  the  bishop  or  ec 
clesiastical  authority  of  the  state  in  which  said  candidate  may  wish  to 
perform  such  service.  And  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  bishop  or  ecclesi 
astical  authority  to  limit  and  confine  every  such  candidate  to  such  part  \f 


1804.]  APPENDIX.  325 

parts  of  the  Common  Prayer  Book,  to  such  dress,  and  to  such  stations 
in  the  Church,  as  are  appropriate  only  to  lay  readers :  and  also  to  point 
out  what  sermons  or  homilies  he  shall  or  may  read  to  his  congregation. 
And  a  non-conformity  on  the  part  of  the  candidate  to  such  restrictions, 
shall  be  deemed  in  all  cases  a  disqualification  for  Holy  Orders. 

CANON  XI. — Providing  for  an  accurate  view  of  the  State 
of  the  Church  from  time  to  time. 

As  a  full  and  accurate  view  of  the  State  of  the  Church,  from  time  to 
time,  is  highly  useful  and  necessary,  it  is  hereby  ordered,  that  every  mi 
nister  of  this  Church  shall  present  or  forward,  at  every  annual  Conven 
tion,  to  the  bishop  of  the  diocese,  or,  where  there  is  no  bishop,  to  the  pre 
sident  of  the  Convention,  a  particular  account  of  the  state  of  his  parish 
or  Church ;  and  these  parochial  reports  shail  be  read,  and  entered  on  the 
Journals  of  the  Convention.  At  every  General  Convention,  the  Journals 
of  the  different  State  Conventions  since  the  last  General  Convention,  to 
gether  with  such  other  papers,  viz.,  Episcopal  charges,  addresses,  and 
pastoral  letters,  as  may  tend  to  throw  light  on  the  state  of  the  Church  in 
each  diocese,  shall  be  presented  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De-  • 
puties.  And  the  parochial  reports  inserted  on  those  journals,  together 
with  the  Episcopal  addresses  and  the  Episcopal  registers,  specified  in  the 
2d  Canon  of  1801,  shall  be  read  in  the  said  house.  These  journals  and 
documents  shall  then  be  sent  by  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies 
to  the  House  of  Bishops,  who  shall  be  requested  to  draw  up  a  view  of  the 
state  of  the  Church,  adding  such  remarks  or  counsel  as  they  may  think 
proper:  the  whole  in  the  form  of  a  Pastoral  Letter  from  the  House  of 
Bishops,  which  shall  be  read  in  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies, 
and  printed  with  the  Journals  of  the  Convention,  for  the  general  infor 
mation  of  the  Church. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Convention  of  every  dio 
cese  or  state,  or  of  the  person  or  persons  with  whom  the  journals,  or  other 
Ecclesiastical  papers  are  lodged,  to  forward  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  at  every  General  Convention,  the  documents  and  papers 
specified  in  this  Canon.  .  At  the  first  General  Convention  held  after  the 
passing  of  this  Canon,  the  Journals  of  the  state  Conventions,  since  the 
organization  of  those  Conventions,  with  the  Constitutions  and  Canons  of 
the  Church  in  each  state  respectively,  with  all  other  useful  Ecclesiastical 
documents,  shall  be  presented  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu 
ties,  and  sent,  as  before  directed,  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 
BY  ORDER  OP  THE  HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS: 
WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.D., 

PRESIDING  BISHOP. 

Attest:  CAVE  JONES,  Secretary. 

BY  ORDER  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES; 

ABRAHAM  BEACH,  D.D.,  PRESIDENT. 
Attest:  J.  H.  HOBART,  Secretary. 

The  next  General  Convention  will  be  held  in  the  city  of 
Baltimore,  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  May,  1808. 


His!  of  fljp  (Jlergg 


OF   THE 


PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH, 

In  the  United  States  of  America,  1804. 

Delivered  in  and  published  agreeably  to  the  16th  Canon 
of  1789. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 
Rev.  Joseph  Willard,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Portsmouth. 

Rev.  Robert  H.  Fowle,  rector  of church,  Holdernesse. 

Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  rector  of church,  Clairmont. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 
The  Right  Rev.  Samuel  Parker,  D.D.,  Bishop,  and  rector  of  Trinity 

church,  Boston. 
Rev.  William  Willard  Wheeler,  rector  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Scituate, 

and  St.  Peter's,  Marshfield. 

Rev.  Nathaniel  Fisher,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Salem. 
Rev.  John  Sylvester  I.  Gardner,  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church, 

Boston. 

Rev.  Samuel  Haskill,  rector  of  St.  Ann's  church,  Gardiner. 
Rev.  William  M.  Montague,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Dedham. 
Rev.  James  Bowers,  rector  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Marblehead. 
Rev.  Timothy  Hilliard,  Minister  of  the  church  at  Portland. 
Rev.  James  Morss,  Minister  of  St.  Paul's,  Newburyport. 
Rev.  Amos  Pardy,  rector  of  St.  Luke's  church,  Lanesborough. 
Kev.  Samuel  Griswold,  rector  of  St.  James's  church,  Great  Barrington,  and 

the  church  at  Lenox. 

RHODE  ISLAND. 

Rev.  Theodore  Dehon,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  Newport. 
Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold,  rector  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Bristol. 
Rev.  Joseph  Warren,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Xarraganset. 

CONNECTICUT. 
The  Right  Rev.  Abraham  Jarvis  D.D.,  Bishop. 

(327) 


328  APPENDIX.  [1804. 

Rev.  Jeremiah  Learning,  residing  at  New  Haven. 

Rev.  William    Smith,    D.D.,    Principal   of    the    Episcopal    Academy, 

Cheshire. 
Rev.  Richard  Mansfield,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Christ  Church  at  Derby,  and  of 

the  Churches  of  Oxford  and  Great  Hill. 
Rev.  Bela  Hubbard,  D.D.,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  New  Haven  and  Christ 

church,  West  Haven. 
Rev.  John  Tyler,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Norwich. 

Rev.  Daniel  Fogg,  rector  of church,  Pomfret. 

Rev.  Philo  Shelton,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  Fairfield,  St.  John's,  Strat- 

field,  and church  in  Weston. 

Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Stratford,  and  Trinity 

church,  Trumbull. 
Rev.  Chauncey  Prindle,  rector  of  Christ  church,   Watertown,  and  St. 

Peter's,  Plymouth. 
Rev.  Reuben  Ives,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Cheshire,  and  the  churches 

of  Hamden  and  Southington. 
Rev.  Tillotson  Bronson,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Waterbury,  and 

church,  Salem. 

Rev.  Truman  Marsh,  rector  of church,  Litchfield. 

Rev.  Ambrose  Todd,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Huntingdon. 

Rev.  Daniel  Burhans,  rector  of   Trinity  church,  Newtown,  and  

church,  Brookfield. 

Rev.  Solomon  Blakesley,  rector  of  St.  Stephen's  church,  East  Haddam. 
Rev.  Charles  Seabury,  rector  of  St.  James's  church,  New  London. 
Rev.  Smith  Miles,  rector  of  the  churches  at  Chatham  and  Middle  Had 
dam. 

Rev.  Menzies  Rayner,  rector  of church,  Hartford. 

Rev.  Nathan  B.  Burges,  rector  of  the  churches  at  Guilford  and  North 

Bristol. 

Rev.  Henry  Whitlock,  rector  of  the  churches  at  Norwalk  and  Wilton. 
Rev.  Clement  Merriam,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Middletown. 

NEW  YORK. 

The  Right  Rev.  Benjamin  Moore,  D.D.,  Bishop,  and  rector  of  Trinity 

church,  New  York. 
Rev.  Peter  Anthony  Albert,  rector  of  the  French  church  De  le  St.-Esprit, 

New  York. 

Rev.  Theodosius  Bartow,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  New  Rochelle. 
Rev.  Edmund  D.  Barry,  Assistant  Minister  of  the  church  De  le  St.-Esprit, 

New  York. 
Rev.  Abraham  Beach,  D.D.,  Assistant  Ministers  of  Trinity  church,  New 

York. 

Rev.  Frederick  Beasley,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Albany. 
Rev.  John  Bowden,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Moral  Philosophy,  Logic,  and 

Rhetoric  in  Columbia  College,  New  York. 
Rev.  Richard  Bradford,  rector  of  St.  Luke's  church,  Catskill. 
Rev.  David  Butler,  officiating  at  Troy  and  Lansinburgh. 
Rev.  Philander  Chase,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Poughkeepsie,  and  Trinity 

church,  Fishkill. 
Rev.  Abraham  L.  Clarke,  rector  of  St.  James's  church,  Newtown,  and  St. 

George's,  Flushing. 
Rev.  Elias  Cooper,  Rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Yonkers. 


1804.]  APPENDIX.  329 

Rev.  William  Harris,  rector  of  St.  Mark's  church,  Bowery,  New  York. 

Rev.  Seth  Hart,  rector  of  St.  George's  church,  Hempstead,  with  which  is 
connected  Christ  Church,  North  Hempstead. 

Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart,  an  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church,  New 
York. 

Rev.  John  Ireland,  rector  of  St.  Anne's  church,  Brooklyn. 

Rev.  Cave  Jones,  an  Assistant  Minister,  Trinity  church,  New  York. 

Rev.  Bethel  Judd,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Hudson. 

Rev.  Jonathan  Judd,  Deacon,  Missionary  in  the  western  part  of  the  State. 

Rev.  Richard  C.  Moore,  rector  of  St.  Andrew's  church,  Staten  Island. 

Rev.  Daniel  Nash,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Otsego,  St.  Luke's,  Rich 
field,  and  Harmony  church,  Butternuts. 

Rev.  Samuel  Nesbitt,  residing  in  New  York. 

Rev.  Philo  Perry,  officiating  in  the  Church,  New  Stamford. 

Rev.       Davenport  Phelps,  Missionary  in  the  western  part  of  the  State. 

Rev.  Joseph  Pilmore,  rector  of  Christ  church,  New  York. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Provoost,  New  York. 

Rev.  Evan  Rogers,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Rye. 

Rev.  George  Strebeck,  Deacon,  officiating  in  the  congregations  at  Bedford 
and  its  vicinity. 

Rev.  Gamaliel  Thatcher,  Missionary  in  the  western  part  of  the  State. 

Rev.  John  Urquhart,  Principal  of  the  Academy  at  Johnstown. 

Rev.  Frederick  Van  Home,  rector  of  St.  Andrew's  church,  Orange  co. 

Rev.  Isaac  Wilkins,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  West  Chester,  and  St. 
Paul's  church,  East  Chester. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

Rev.  Uzal  Ogden,  D.D.,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  Newark. 

Rev.  Charles  H.  Wharton,  D.D.,  rector  of  St.  Mary's  church,  Burlington. 

Rev.  Henry  Waddell,  rector  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Trenton. 

Rev.  John  Croes,  rector  of  Christ  church,  New  Brunswick,  and  St.  Pe 
ter's  church,  Spotswood. 

Rev.  Andrew  Fowler,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Shrewsbury,  and  Christ 
church,  Middletown. 

Rev.  Jasper  D.  Jones,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Perth  Amboy. 

Rev.  Henry  I.  Feltus,  Minister  at  Trinity  church,  Swedesborough. 

Rev.  Samuel  Lilly,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Elizabethtown. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  William  White,  D.D.,  Bishop. 

Rev.  Samuel  Magaw,  D.D. 

Rev.  John  Andrews,  D.D.,  Vice-Provost  of  the  University  of  Pennsyl 
vania. 

Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ  Church  and 
St.  Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Rev.  Joseph  Hutchins,  D.D. 

Rev.  John  Campbell,  rector  of  the  Episcopal  churches  of  York  and  Hun 
tingdon. 

Rev.  Slator  Clay,  rector  of  St.  David's,  Radnor;  St.  Peter's  in  the  Valley, 
and  St.  James's,  Perkiomen. 

Rev.  Joseph  Clarkson,  rector  of  St.  James's,  Lancaster, church,  Pe- 

quea,  and church,  Carnarvon. 

Rev.  Robert  Ayres,  rector  of  Emanuel  church,  Washington  county,  and 
St.  Peter's  church,  Fayette  county. 


330  APPENDIX.  [1804. 

Rev.  Francis  Reno,  Westmoreland  county. 

Rev.  Joseph  Turner,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Chester,  and  St.  Mar 
tin's,  Marcus  Hook. 

Rev.  Caleb  Hopkins,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Derry  Township,  and  Christ 
church,  Turbut  township,  Northumberland  county. 

Rev.  Thomas  Davis,  Washington  county. 

Rev.  James  Abercrombie,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ  church  and  St, 
Peter's,  Philadelphia. 

Rev.  Absalom  Jones  (a  black  man),  rector  of  the  African  church  of  St. 
Thomas's,  Philadelphia. 

Rev.  John  Taylor,  Pittsburgh. 

DELAWARE. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Clay,  Emanuel  church,  New  Castle. 
Rev.  William  Pryce,  Trinity  church,  Wilmington. 
Rev.  James  Wiltbank,  St.  Peter's  church,  Lewes. 
Rev.  William  L.  Gibson,  St.  Paul's  church,  Georgetown. 

MARYLAND. 
The  Right  Rev.  Thomas  J.  Claggett,  D.D.,  Bishop,  and  rector  of  St. 

Paul's  parish,  Prince  George's  county. 

Rev.  Charles  Smoot,  rector  of  William  and  Mary  parish,  St.  Mary's. 
Rev.  George  Ralph,  All  Faith,  St.  Mary's. 
Rev.  Francis  Walker,  St.  Andrew's,  St.  Mary's. 
Rev.  Benjamin  Contee,  William  and  Mary,  Charles. 
Rev  Owen  F.  Magrath,  King  and  Queen,  Charles. 
Rev.  Edward  Gant,  Jun.,  Christ  church,  Calvert. 
Rev.  Joseph  Messinger,  St.  John's,  Prince  George's  county. 
Rev.  Thomas  Scott,  Queen  Anne's,  Prince  George's. 
Rev.  Walter  D.  Addison,  residing  in  Prince  George's. 
Rev.  John  W.  Compton,  St.  James',  Anne  ArundeL 
Rev.  William  Duke,  St.  Anne's,  Anne  Arundel. 
Rev.  Nicholas  W.  Lane,  All  Hallows,  Anne  Arundel. 
Rev.  Ralph  Higinbothom,  residing  in  Annapolis,  Anne  Arundel. 
Rev.  Thomas  Read,  Prince  George's,  Montgomery. 
Rev.  —  Reynolds,  St.  Peter's,  Montgomery. 
Rev.  George  Bower,  rector  of  All  Saints,  Frederick. 
Rev.  John  Kewley,  Emanuel,  Albany. 

Rev.  Joseph  G.  J.  Bend,  D.D.,  St.  Paul's  parish,  Baltimore  county. 
Rev.  Elijah  D.  Rattoone,  D.D.,  St.  Paul's  parish,  Baltimore  county. 
Rev.  John  Coleman,  St.  James's  and  St.  Thomas's,  Baltimore  county. 
Rev.  William  Swan,  residing  in  Baltimore  county. 
Rev.  George  Dashiell,  St.  Peter's,  Baltimore, 
Rev.  John  Allen,  rector  of  St.  George's,  Harford. 
Rev.  Henry  Lyon  Davis,  St.  Stephen's,  Cecil. 
Rev.  Simon  Wilmer,  Shrewsbury,  Kent. 
Rev.  John  Armstrong,  St.  Paul's,  Kent. 

Rev.  Colin  Ferguson,  D.D.,  residing  in  Chestertown,  Kent  county. 
Rev  Archibald  Walker,  near  Chestertown,  Kent  county. 
Rev.  Samuel  Keene,  D.D.,  residing  in  Queen  Anne's. 
Rev.  Samuel  Keene,  Jun.,  residing  in  Queen  Anne's. 
Rev.  Joseph  Jackson,  St.  Peter's,  Talbot. 
John  Price,  St.  Michael's,  Talbot. 
Rev.  Francis  Barclay,  residing  in  Easton,  Talbot. 


1804.]  APPENDIX.  331 

Rev.  James  Kemp,  Great  Choptank,  Dorchester. 

Rev.  William  M.  Stone,  Stepney,  Somerset. 

R  ev.  Samuel  Sloan,  residing  in  Somerset. 

Rev.  David  Ball,  All  Hallows,  Worcester. 

Rev.  James  Jones  Wilmer,  place  of  residence  not  known. 

Resident  in  that  part  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  formerly  part  of 

Maryland : 
Rev.  John  I.  Sayrs. 
Rev.  Andrew  M'Cormick. 
Rev.  Edward  Gantt. 

VIRGINIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  James  Madison,  D.D.,  Bishop. 

Rev.  Charles  O'Neill,  rector  of ,  Amherat. 

Rev.  Alexander  Hay,  Antrim. 

Rev.  —  Gray  Bottetourt. 

Rev.  Hugh  Corran  Boggs,  Berkeley. 

Rev.  —  Heath,  Berkley. 

Rev.  Benjamin  Brown,  Blisland. 

Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  Bristol. 

Rev.  John  Cameron,  D.D.,  rector  of 

Rev.  Alexander  M'Parland,  Brunswick. 

Rev.  John  Bracken,  D.D.,  Bruton. 

Rev.  John  Camm,  Charles. 

Rev.  —  Heffernen,  Christ  Church. 

Rev.  James  Elliot,  Cople. 

Rev.  Needier  Robinson.  Dale. 

Rev.  Spence  Grayson,  Dettingen. 

Rev.  Daniel  M'Naughton,  Christ  Church. 

Rev.  James  Whitehead,  Elizabeth  River. 

Rev.  Thomas  Davis  Fairfax. 

Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  Frederick. 

Rev.  John  O'Weylie,  Lecturer,  Frederick. 

Rev.  Matthew  Maury,  Fredericksville. 

Rev.  John  Hooker  Reynolds,  Hardy. 

Rev.  John  Buchanan,  D.D.,  Henrico. 

Rev.  John  Thompson,  Leeds. 

Rev.  Charles  Crawford,  Lexington, 

Rev.  William  Crawford, 

Rev.  James  Dickinson,  Littleton. 

Rev.  —  Young,  Lunenburg. 

Rev.  Anthony  Walke,  Lynhaven. 

Rev.  Armistead  Smith,  Matthews. 

Rev.  John  Dunn,  Manchester. 

Rev.  James  Leach,  Mecklenburg.  < 

Rev.  William  Hubard,  Newport. 

Rev.  Jacob  Keeling,  Nansemond. 

Rev.  Robert  Buchan,  Overwharton. 

Rev.  Arthur  Emerson,  Portsmouth. 

Rev.  John  Brunskill,  Raleigh. 

Rev.  —  Stevenson,  St.  George's. 

Rev.  Charles  Hopkins,  St.  James's,  Northam. 

Rev.  James  Price,  St.  John's. 


332  APPENDIX.  [1804. 

Rev.  Thomas  Hughes,  St.  David. 
Rev.  Archibald  Dick,  St.  Margaret's. 
Rev.  John  Woodville,  St.  Mark's. 
Rev.  Abner  Waugh,  St.  Mary's. 

Rev.  John  Parsons, - 

Rev.  John  Seward,  St.  Stephen's. 

Rev.  John  Hyde,  Saunders,  Southam. 

Rev.  Samuel  Butler,  Southwark. 

Rev.  Lee  Massey,  Truro. 

Rev.  Samuel  Chapin,  Westover. 

R«v.  James  Evans,  Yorkhampton. 

Rev.  John  C.  Brockenboroug,  Washington. 

Rev.  Duncan  M'Naughton,  Wicomico. 

Rev.  Joseph  Wilson,  Rev.  Stephen  Thomson,  Rev.  Cornelius  Carvert,  cures 

not  known.  ,  »•.  . 

The  list  from  this  State  is  the  same  as  in  the  Journal  of  the  last  Gene- 
lal  Convention,  no  new  list  having  been  delivered  in. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

Rev.  Edward  Jenkins,  D.D.,  St.  Michael's,  Charleston. 
Rev.  Nathanael  Bowen,  St.  Michael's,  Charleston. 

Rev.  Milwood  Pogson,  St.  James's,  Goose  Creek,  St.  George's,  Dorchester. 
Rev.  John  Thompson,  St.  Thomas's. 

Rev.  Thomas  Mills,  St.  Andrew's,  James'  Island,  St.  Andrew's,  Main. 
Rev.  Edmund  Matthews,  St.  John's,  Edisto. 
Rev.  —  Nixon,  St.  Bartholomew's. 
Rev.  Thomas  D.  Bladen,  St.  James',  Santee. 
Rev.  James  Connor,  St.  Stephen's. 
Rev.  George  H.  Spierin,  Prince  George's. 
Rev.  John  O'Donnel,  All  Saints. 
Rev.  —  Frazier,  Prince  Frederick's. 
Rev.  —  Gates,  D.D. 
Rev.  —  Hicks,  Minister  of  the  church  at  Beaufort. 

Residents  in  the  State  without  cures : 
Rev.  —  M'Culley,  Master  of  an  Academy,  Beaufort. 
Rev.  —  Blackwall. 
Rev.  —  Best,  Master  of  an  Academy,  Charleston. 

No  new  list  from  this  State  has  been  delivered  in.     The  list  published 
is  probably  inaccurate,  as  it  was  drawn  up  from  imperfect  information. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS 


OP  THE 


BISHOPS,  CLERGY,  AND  LAITY 


OF  THE 


fwfinhtit 


is 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA, 


A  CONVENTION 


HELD   IN 


THE  CITY  OF    BALTIMORE,  FROM  TUESDAY,  MAY  17,  TO 
THURSDAY,  MAY  26,  1808. 

(333) 


LIST  OF  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF 
CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES. 


FROM  THE  STATE  OF  RHODE  ISLAND. 
Rev.  Theodore  Dehon. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  CONNECTICUT. 
Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin. 
Rev.  Daniel  Burhans. 
Burrage  Beach,  Esq. 
Mr.  Joseph  Nicoll. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  YORK. 
Rev.  Abraham  Beach,  D.D. 
Rev.  Richard  C.  Moore,  D.D. 
Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart,  D.D. 
Dr.  John  Onderdonk. 
John  Moore,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  JERSEY. 
Joshua  M.  Wallace,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 
Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.D. 
Rev.  Joseph  Clarkson. 
Rev.  Levi  Bull. 
John  Lardner,  Esq. 
Dr.  P.  F.  Glentworth. 
Joseph  Sims,  Esq. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  DELAWARE. 
Rev.  William  Pryce. 
Mr.  Joseph  Burn. 

FROM  THE  STATE  OF  MARYLAND. 
Rev.  Joseph  G.  J.  Bend,  D.D. 
Rev.  James  Kemp,  D.D. 
Rev.  George  Dashiell. 
Rev.  Simon  Wilmer. 
William  H.  Dorsey,  Esq. 
James  Ringgold,  Esq. 
John  C.  Weems,  Esq. 
George  Robertson,  Esq. 

(335) 


JOURNAL 


OF   THE 


ojf  (Jfairal  anil  Hag 


BALTIMORE,  May  17,  1808. 
being  the  day  appointed  for  the  meeting  of  the 
General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  several 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  attended  at  12  o'clock,  A.M.,  in 
St.  Paul's  Church,  but  not  being  a  quorum,  adjourned  to 
meet  at  5  o'clock,  P.M. 

Five  o'clock,  P.M. 

A  quorum  of  the  house  appearing,  the  President  of  the 
house  in  the  last  Convention  took  the  chair,  and  the  Secre 
tary  of  the  house  in  the  last  Convention  acted  as  Secretary 
pro  tempore. 

The  house  then  proceeded  to  read  the  testimonials  of  the 
Clerical  and  Lay  Delegates,  which  were  severally  approved, 
and  the  following  gentlemen  took  their  seats  in  the  house. 

From  Rhode  Island — The  Rev.  Theodore  Dehon. 

From  Connecticut — The  Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  Rev.  Dan 
iel  Burhans,  Burrage  Beach,  Esq.,  and  Mr.  Joseph  Nicoll. 

From  New  York,  the  Rev.  Abraham  Beach,  D.D.,  Rev. 
Richard  C.  Moore,  D.D.,  the  Rev.  John  H.  Hobart,  D.D., 
Dr.  John  Onderdonk.  and  John  Moore,  Esq. 

From  Pennsylvania — The  Rev.  Joseph  Clarkson,  John 
Lardner,  Esq.,  and  Dr.  P.  F.  Glentworth. 

From  Delaware — Rev.  William  Pryce  and  Mr.  Jos.  Burns* 
VOL.  I.— 22  (337) 


338  JOURNAL   OF   THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.         [1808. 

From  Maryland — The  Rev.  Joseph  G.  J.  Bend,  D.D.,  the 
Rev.  James  Kemp,  D.D.,  the  Rev.  George  Dashiell,  the  Rev. 
Simon  Wilmer,  James  Ringgold,  Esq.,  and  William  H. 
Dorsey,  Esq. 

The  house  proceeded  to  the  election  of  a  President  and 
Secretary,  when  it  appeared  that  the  Rev.  Abraham  Beach 
was  unanimously  chosen  President,  and  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Ho- 
bart,  Secretary. 

A  message  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  informing 
them  that  this  house  was  organized,  and  ready  to  proceed  to 
business. 

The  House  of  Bishops  returned  for  answer  that  they  also 
•were  organized,  and  ready  to  proceed  to  business. 

The  house  took  into  consideration  the  rules  of  order  of 
preceding  Houses  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  and  adopt 
ed  the  same,  as  follows,  with  some  small  alterations. 

I.  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  introduced  with  the 
Morning  Service  of  the  Church. 

II.  When  the  President  takes  the  chair,  no  member  shall 
continue  standing,  or  shall  afterwards  stand  up,  unless  to 
address  the  chair. 

III.  No  member  shall  absent   himself  from  the  service  of 
the  house,  unless  he  have  leave,  or  be  unable  to  attend. 

IV.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in  debate,  or  de 
liver  any  matter  to  the  house,  he  shall  rise  from  his  seat, 
and,  without  advancing,  shall,  with  due  respect,  address  him 
self  to  the  President,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the  point 
in  debate. 

V.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice  in  the  same 
debate,  without  leave  of  the  house. 

VI.  A  question  being  once  determined,  shall  stand  as  the 
judgment  of  the  house,  and  shall  not  be  again  drawn  into 
debate  during  the  same  session,  unless  with  the  consent  of 
two-thirds  of  the  house. 

VII.  While  the  President  is  putting  any  question,  no  one 
shall  hold  private  discourse,  stand  up,  walk  into,  out  of,  or 
across  the  house,  or  read  any  book. 

VIII.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  house  when  any 
question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division,  be  counted,  unless  he 
be  particularly  interested  in  the  decision. 

IX.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before  the  house, 
unless  it  be  seconded,  and  reduced  to  writing  when  required. 

X.  When  any  question  is  before  the  house,  it  shall  be  dc 


1808.]   JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      339 

termined  on  before  any  thing  new  is  introduced,  except  the 
question  for  adjournment. 

XI.  The  question  on  a  motion  for  adjournment  shall  be 
taken  before  any  other,  and  without  debate. 

XII.  When  the  house  is  to  rise,  every  member  shall  keep 
his  seat  until  the  President  leaves  the  chair. 

On  motion  Resolved, — That  the  Clergy  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church,  who  may  be  in  the  city  of  Baltimore,  and 
who  are  not  members  of  this  house,  shall  be  admitted  to  the 
sittings  of  the  same. 

This  house  Resolved, — That  in  consequence  of  the  decease 
of  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Parker,  who  had  been  appointed 
to  open  the  meeting  of  this  Convention  with  a  Sermon,  the 
House  of  Bishops  be  requested  to  appoint  one  of  their  num 
ber  to  perform  that  duty;  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bend  was  ap 
pointed  to  communicate  this  request  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Bend  returned  with  a  message  from  the 
House  of  Bishops,  that  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White  intends 
to  open  the  Convention  with  a  discourse  to-morrow,  at  the 
h-our  which  has  been  publicly  notified  for  divine  service. 

On  motion  Resolved, — That  the  hour  of  meeting  each  day 
shall  be  at  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Dashiell,  the  rector  of  St.  Peter's,  gave  no 
tice  that  there  would  be  divine  service  and  sermon  in  that 
church  every  evening  during  the  Session. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Bend  informed  the  house,  that  the  Church 
of  St.  Paul's  and  Christ  Church  were  not  fitted  for  service 
by  candle-light. 


WEDNESDAY,  May  18,  1808,  A.M. 

The  house  attended  divine  service  in  St.  Paul's  church. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Beach  performed  the  service,  and  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  White  preached  a  Sermon  adapted  to  the  occa 
sion  of  the  meeting  of  the  Convention. 

After  divine  service  the  house  met. 

The  Rev.  Levi  Bull,  a  Clerical  deputy  from  Pennsylvania, 
and  George  Robertson,  Esq.,  a  Lay  deputy  from  Maryland, 
appeared  and  took  their  seats. 

The  testimonial  of  the  appointment  of  deputies  from  New 
Jersey  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  Joshua  M.  Wallace, 


340      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1808. 

Esq.,  a  Lay  deputy  from  New  Jersey,  appeared  and  took  his 
seat. 

On  motion,  Resolved  unanimously, — That  the  thanks  of 
the  Convention  be  returned  to  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White 
for  his  Sermon  preached  before  the  Convention  this  morning, 
and  that  he  be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy  for  publication. 

The  House  of  Bishops  concurred  in  this  resolution,  and 
informed  this  house  that  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White  would 
furnish  a  copy  of  his  Sermon  for  the  purpose  aforesaid. 

On  motion  Resolved, — That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to 
revise  the  Canons,  and  to  report  the  same  for  the  considera 
tion  of  this  house. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  the  Committee. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Kemp,  Rev.  Mr.  Baldwin,  Rev.  Dr.  Hobart, 
Dr.  John  Onderdonk,  and  Joshua  M.  WTallace,  Esq. 

The  house  took  up  the  alteration  proposed  by  tlie  last 
General  Convention,  in  the  Constitution  of  the  Church,  viz., 
that  in  Article  III.  the  words,  "  unless  adhered  to  by  four- 
fifths  of  the  other  house,"  be  struck  out;  and  the  further 
consideration  thereof  postponed  until  to-morrow. 

A  memorial  to  the  General  Convention  was  presented  and 
read  from  the  Convention  of  the  Clergy  and  the  Lay  Dele 
gates  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  New  Hamp 
shire,  praying  the  Convention  to  rescind  a  resolution  of  the 
General  Convention  of  1801,  relative  to  the  permission  of 
an  union  between  certain  churches  in  New  Hampshire  and 
the  church  in  Vermont.  The  memorial  was  referred  to  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Baldwin,  Rev.  Mr.  Burhans,  and  Burrage  Beach, 
Esq.,  to  report  thereon. 

The  house  adjourned. 


THURSDAY,  May  19,  1808. 

The  house  met,  and  Morning  Service  was  performed  by 
the  Secretary,  as  Chaplain  to  the  house. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.D.,  a  Clerical  deputy  from 
Pennsylvania;  Joseph  Sims,  Esq.,  a  Lay  deputy  from  Penn 
sylvania;  and  John  C.  Weems,  Esq.,  a  Lay  deputy  from 
Maryland,  appeared  and  took  their  seats. 

The  house  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  resolution  pro 
posed  by  the  last  General  Convention,  viz. 

Resolved, — That  in  Article  III.  of  the  Constitution  of  the 


1808.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      341 

Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  Amer 
ica,  the  words,  "  unless  adhered  to  by  four-fifths  of  the  other 
house,"  be  struck  out. 

The  question  being  taken  by  States  on  the  above  resolu 
tion,  it  was  agreed  to  as  follows: 

Rhode  Island — Clergy,  Aye.  Aye. 

Connecticut — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  Aye.  Aye. 

New  York — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  Aye.  Aye. 

New  Jersey — Laity,  Aye.  Aye. 

Pennsylvania — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  No.(l)     Divided. 

Delaware — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  Aye.  Aye. 

Maryland — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  Aye.  Aye. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Bend  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore  were  re 
quested  to  carry  the  above  resolution  to  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  who  returned  it  with  their  concurrence. 

Agreeably  to  the  llth  Canon  of  1804,  the  Journals  of 
the  State  Conventions  and  other  ecclesiastical  documents 
were  presented;  and  after  the  parochial  reports  and  episco 
pal  addresses  contained  on  those  Journals  were  read,  the 
Journals  and  documents  were  transmitted  to  the  House  of 
Bishops,  with  a  request  that  they  would  draw  up  a  view  of 
the  state  of  the  Church,  adding  such  remarks  or  counsel  as 
they  might  think  proper,  in  the  form  of  a  Pastoral  Letter 
from  the  House  of  Bishops,  agreeably  to  the  llth  Canon  of 
1804. 

The  Deputies  from  the  Church  in  Maryland  informed  the 
house,  that  they  were  instructed  by  the  Convention  of  said 
Church,  to  call  the  attention  of  the  General  Convention  to 
the  expediency  of  adopting  the  English  Canon  concerning 
marriages,  and  inserting  the  same  in  future  editions  of  the 
Book  of  Common  Prayer;  and  to  the  expediency  of  setting 
forth  a  Companion  for  the  Altar;  and  they  stated  that  they 
were  also  instructed  to  enforce  the  necessity  of  adopting  an 
additional  number  of  hymns. 

In  consequence  of  the  above  communication,  the  house 
adopted  the  following  resolutions: 

Resolved, — That  the  communication  from  the  Convention 
of  the  Church  in  Maryland,  on  the  subject  of  the  English 

(1)  Joseph  Sims,  Esq.,  and  Dr.  P.  F.  Glentworth,  Lay  deputies  from, 
this  State,  were  in  favour  of  the  resolution,  but  voted  in  the  negative,  be 
cause  they  supposed  it  necessary  that  they  should  have  received  instruc 
tions  on  the  subject  from  the  Convention  of  the  State,  which  instructions 
they  had  not  received. 


342      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1808. 

Canon  concerning  marriages,  be  referred  to  the  House  of 
Bishops,  with  a  request  that  they  will  consider  the  same,  if 
they  deem  it  expedient,  during  the  present  or  at  some  future 
Convention,  and  will  make  any  communication  to  this  house 
which  they  may  deem  proper. 

Resolved, — That  it  is  not  expedient  to  take  any  order  on 
the  subject  of  setting  forth  a  Companion  for  the  Altar.  The 
above  resolutions  were  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops  for  their 
concurrence. 

Resolved, — That  it  is  expedient  to  add  thirty  hymns  to 
the  present  number  contained  in  the  Prayer  Book,  provided 
that  a  Rubric  be  annexed  thereto,  directing  that  a  certain 
portion,  or  portions,  of  the  Psalms  of  David,  in  metre,  be 
sung  at  every  celebration  of  divine  service. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  a  Committee  to 
prepare  and  report  hymns  for  the  consideration  of  this  house. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  Rev.  Dr.  Kemp,  Rev.  Mr.  Dashiell, 
Rev.  Mr.  Burhans,  and  Joshua  M.  Wallace,  Esq. 

The  Deputies  from  the  Church  in  Maryland  also  informed 
the  Convention,  that  they  were  instructed  to  use  their  endea 
vours  to  have  the  1st  and  2d  Canons  of  the  General  Conven 
tion  of  1804  reconsidered,  so  far  as  they  relate  to  the  induc 
tion  of  Ministers  into  churches  or  parishes. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  subject  of  induction  be 
referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  Canons. 
The  house  adjourned. 


FRIDAY,  May  20,  1808,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  Morning  Prayer  was  performed  by 
the  Secretary  as  Chaplain  to  the  house. 

Leave  of  absence  was  granted  to  Mr.  Burns,  the  Lay  de 
puty  from  the  State  of  Delaware. 

The  Committee  on  the  Canons  made  a  report  in  part, 
which  was  read. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  with 
an  extract  from  their  Minutes,  and  a  letter  from  William  H. 
Winder,  Esq.,  enclosing  a  petition  from  Ammi  Rogers.  The 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  from  the  State  of  Connecticut,  at 
their  own  request,  were  permitted  to  withdraw. 

Whereupon,  Resolved  unanimously, — That  it  is  the  opinion 
of  this  house,  that  agreeably  to  the  6th  Article  of  the  Con- 


1808.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     343 

stitution,  the  General  Convention  have  no  cognizance  of  the 
case  of  Arnmi  Rogers,  and  that  he  therefore  have  leave  to 
withdraw  his  petition. 

Ordered,  that  the  Secretary  carry  a  copy  of  the  above  re 
solution  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  and  furnish  a  copy  of  the 
same  to  William  H.  Winder,  Esq.,  who  transmitted  the  peti 
tion  of  Ammi  Rogers  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  house  adjourned. 


SATURDAY,  May  21,  1808,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  Morning  Service  was  performed  by 
the  Secretary,  as  Chaplain  to  the  house. 

The  Committee  on  the  Canons  made  a  further  report,  which 
was  read. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Prayer  to  be  used  at  the 
meetings  of  Convention,  adopted  in  General  Convention, 
1799,  be  inserted  in  all  future  editions  of  the  Book  of  Com 
mon  Prayer,  among  the  Occasional  Prayers. 

The  above  resolution  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops  for 
their  concurrence. 

The  Committee  on  the  memorial  from  the  Convention  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  New  Hamp 
shire,  made  a  report.  Whereupon, 

Resolved, — That  a  Committee  of  two  or  more  persons 
from  the  State  of  Connecticut,  Rhode  Island,  or  Massachu 
setts,  be  appointed,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  give  notice  to 
the  parties  interested,  to  give  them  a  hearing  if  requested, 
and  to  make  a  report  to  any  two  of  the  Bishops  of  this 
Church,  whose  decision  shall  be  final  till  the  meeting  of  the 
next  General  Convention. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  the  Rev.  Philo 
Shelton,  the  Rev.  Daniel  Burhans,  Burrage  Beach,  Esq., 
and  Mr.  Joseph  Nicolls,  be  the  Committee. 

Resolutions,  proposing  the  appointment  of  a  Committee 
to  address  the  Church  in  certain  dioceses,  were  read,  and 
ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

A  message  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  on  the  subject  of 
the  English  canon  concerning  marriages,  was  received  and 
read. 

The  house  then  adjourned. 


344      JOUKNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1808. 

MONDAY,  May  23,  1808,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  prayers  were  read  by  the  Secretary 
as  Chaplain  to  the  house. 

The  resolutions  proposed  and  laid  on  the  table  on  Satur 
day,  proposing  the  appointment  of  a  Committee  to  address 
the  Church  in  certain  districts,  and  for  other  purposes,  were 
read  and  adopted,  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops  for 
their  concurrence. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  additional  number 
of  hymns  made  report. 

The  house  took  up  the  consideration  of  the  Canons,  as  re 
ported  by  the  Committee  appointed  to  digest  and  revise  the 
same,  and  made  some  progress  therein. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  with 
a  "  Pastoral  address,"  prepared  in  pursuance  of  the  llth 
Canon  of  1804,  which  was  read  in  part. 

The  house  then  adjourned  to  meet  at  5  o'clock,  P.M. 

MONDAY,  5  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  house  met,  and  resumed  and  finished  the  reading  of 
the  Pastoral  Letter  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  transmitted 
to  them  by  said  house. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  with 
a  substitute  to  the  resolutions  for  the  appointment  of  a  Com 
mittee  to  address  the  Church  in  certain  districts,  and  for 
other  purposes. 

The  house  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  Canons 
as  reported  by  the  Committee,  and  made  further  progress 
therein. 

The  Secretary  was  directed  to  communicate  to  the  House 
of  Bishops  the  revised  Canons,  as  far  as  they  have  been 
agreed  to  by  this  house,  with  the  necessary  information  re 
lative  to  them. 

The  house  adjourned. 


TUESDAY,  May  24,  1808,  9  o'clock  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  Morning  Service  was  performed  by  the 
Secretary  as  Chaplain  to  the  house. 

A  memorial  to  this  Convention,  signed  by  the  Rev.  Nat. 
Bowen,  Rev.  Andrew  Fowler,  and  Robert  I.  Turnbull,  and 


1808.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      345 

David  Alexander,  Clerical  and  Lay  deputies  from  the  Con 
vention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  South  Caro 
lina,  stating  that  they  were  unable  to  attend  the  meeting  of 
the  General  Convention;  and  that  it  was  the  wish  of  the 
Church  in  South  Carolina,  that  there  should  be  a  repeal  or 
modification  of  certain  Canons — was  presented  and  read, 
and  ordered  to  be  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  house  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the 
Committee  on  the  Canons,  and  made  further  progress  therein. 

The  house  adjourned  until  5  o'clock. 

TUESDAY,  5  o'clock  P.M. 

The  house  met,  and  finished  the  consideration  of  the  re 
port  of  the  Committee  on  the  Canons. 

The  Secretary  was  desired  to  communicate  the  remainder 
of  the  revised  Canons  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  with  the 
necessary  information  relative  to  them. 

Leave  of  absence  was  granted  to  George  Robertson,  Esq., 
a  Lay  deputy  from  the  State  of  Maryland. 

The  house  adjourned. 


WEDNESDAY,  May  25,  1808,  9  o'clock  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  prayers  were  read  by  the  Secretary, 
as  Chaplain  to  the  house. 

The  house  considered  the  substitute  of  the  House  of  Bish 
ops  to  the  proposed  resolutions  of  this  house,  for  the  appoint 
ment  of  a  Committee  to  address  the  Church  in  certain  dis 
tricts,  and  for  other  purposes,  and  agreed  to  the  same  with 
amendments.  These  amendments  were  sent  to  the  House  of 
Bishops,  and  concurred  in  by  them,  and  the  resolutions  final 
ly  adopted  as  follows. 

1.  Resolved, — That  a  Committee  be  appointed,  consisting 
of  three  of  the  Bishops  of  this  Church,   and  two  of   the 
Clergy,  and  two  of  the  Lay  members  of  the  same,  to  make 
a  solemn  and  affectionate  address  to  the  Churches  represent 
ed  in  both  Orders  in  this  Convention,  urging  upon  them  the 
propriety,  necessity,  and  duty  of  sending  regularly  a  depu 
tation  to  the  General  Convention;  and  that  the  said  address 
contain  a  respectful  appeal  to  every  Bishop  of  this  Church, 
on  the  subject  of  attendance  on  his  part. 

2.  Resolved, — That  the  same  Committee  be  authorised  and 


346      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1808. 

desired  to  address  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  in  every 
State  in  which  it  is  organized,  but  which  has  not  acceded  to 
the  Constitution  of  this  Church,  inviting  it  to  accede  to  the 
same. 

3.  Resolved, — That    the    same   Committee    address    the 
Clergy  of  the  several  States  or  Territories  of  the  United 
States,  in  which  the  Church  hath  not  been  organized;  also, 
some  of  the  most  respectable  lay  members  of  the  Church  in 
such  States  or  Territories,  and  invite  them  to  organize  them 
selves,  and  accede  to  the  Constitution  of  the  Protestant  Epis 
copal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America. 

4.  Resolved, — That  the  same  Committee  be  authorised  and 
desired  to  consider  of  and  determine  on  the  proper  mode  of 
sending  a  Bishop  into  said  States  or  Territories;  and,  in 
case  of  a  reasonable  prospect  of  accomplishing  this  object, 
to  elect  a  person  to  such  Episcopacy;  and  the  certificate 
being  given  in  the  usual  terms  by  the  Standing  Committees 
of  this  Church,  as  prescribed  in  the  Canon  for  the  consecra 
tion  of  Bishops  in  the  recess  of  the  General  Convention, 
any  three  Bishops  of  the  same  be  authorized  to  consecrate 
to  the  Episcopacy  the  person  elected  as   above;  provided 
that  the  jurisdiction  assigned  him  shall  not  interfere  with  the 
rights  of  any  State  or  diocese  which  shall  hereafter  adopt 
the  Constitution  of  the  Church  in  the  United  States. 

5.  Resolved, — That  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White,  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Claggett,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,   the 
Rev.  Dr.  Beach,  the  Rev.  Dr.    Hobart,  General   Mathew 
Clarkson,  and  Dr.  John  Onderdonk,  be  the  Committee  for 
the  purposes  aforesaid,  any  four  of  whom  shall  be  a  quorum, 
provided  it  include  one  Bishop,  one  presbyter,  and  one  lay 
man. 

6.  Resolved, — That  the  said  Committee  render  an  account 
of  their  proceedings  to  the  next  General  Convention. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  it  be  made  known  to  the  se 
veral  State  Conventions  of  this  Church,  that  it  is  proposed 
to  consider  of,  and  determine  on,  at  the  next  General  Con 
vention,  the  propriety  of  the  following  addition  to  the  8th 
article  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Church:  "No  alteration 
or  addition  shall  be  made  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  or 
other  offices  of  the  Church,  unless  the  same  shall  be  propos 
ed  in  one  General  Convention,  and  by  a  resolve  thereof  made 
known  to  the  Convention  of  every  diocese  or  State,  and 
adopted  at  the  subsequent  General  Convention." 


1808.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      347 

This  resolution  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  and  re 
turned  with  their  concurrence. 

The  report  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  ad 
ditional  number  of  hymns,  was  read  and  adopted. 

This  report,  with  the  resolutions  relative  to  an  additional 
number  of  hymns,  were  sent  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Dashiell,  to  the  House  of  Bishops  for  their  con 
currence. 

The  Committee  on  the  Canons,  to  whom  was  referred  the 
office  of  induction,  reported  certain  resolutions,  which  were 
adopted  by  this  house,  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  and  re 
turned  with  their  concurrence,  as  follows,  viz. 

1.  Resolved, — That  the  title  of  the  Office  of  induction  be 
changed  to  "  Office  of  institution,"  and  that  the  correspond 
ing  alterations  of  expression  be  made  in  the  Office  itself. 

2.  Resolved, — That  the  following  Rubric  be  prefixed  to 
the  Letter  of  institution  in  said  Office. 

"  In  any  State  or  diocese,  the  concluding  paragraph  in  the 
Letter  of  institution  may  be  omitted,  where  it  interferes  with 
the  usages,  laws,  or  charters  of  the  Church  in  the  same." 

3.  Resolved, — That  in  the  first  Rubric,  the  words,  "as 
prescribed  by  the  1st  Canon  of  1804,"  be  changed,  and  the 
word  "shall"  be  changed  to  "may." 

Certain  proposed  resolutions  on  the  subject  of  duels  and 
divorces,  were  read  and  adopted,  and  sent  to  the  House  of 
Bishops  for  their  concurrence. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops  with 
proposed  amendments  to  the  revised  Canons,  in  which  they 
requested  the  concurrence  of  this  house. 

The  house  then  adjourned  to  5  o'clock,  P.M. 

Five  o'clock,  P.M. 

A  further  message  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  proposing 
amendments  in  the  revised  Canons,  was  received. 

The  house  took  up  the  consideration  of  the  amendments 
proposed  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  to  the  revised  Canons. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  concurred  in 
these  amendments,  with  the  exception  of  one  amendment; 
proposed  further  amendments;  and  ordered  notice  of  the 
same  to  be  sent  by  the  Secretary  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  house  adjourned  until  to-morrow,  8  o'clock. 


348  JOURNAL   OF  THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.         [1808. 

THURSDAY,  May  26,  1808,  8  o'clock  A.M. 

The  house  met. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
forming  this  house  that  they  had  receded  from  the  amend 
ment  to  one  of  the  Canons,  to  which  this  house  had  non- 
concurred;  had  concurred  in  other  amendments  proposed  by 
this  house;  had  proposed  a  further  amendment;  and  also 
that  they  had  postponed  the  resolution  concerning  the  inser 
tion  of  the  Prayer  at  the  opening  of  the  Convention  among 
the  Occasional  Prayers  in  the  Common  Prayer  Book. 

They  also  returned  the  resolutions  concerning  duels  and 
divorces,  with  a  proposed  amendment,  which  was  concurred 
in  hy  this  house,  and  the  resolutions  passed,  as  follows : 

1.  Resolved, — That  the  Ministers  of  this  Church  ought 
not  to  perform  the  funeral  service,  in  the  case  of  any  person 
who  shall  give  or  accept  a  challenge  to  a  duel. 

2.  Resolved, — That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Church,  that  it 
is  inconsistent  with  the  law  of  God,  and  the  Ministers  of  this 
Church,  therefore,  shall  not  unite  in  matrimony  any  person 
who  is  divorced,  unless  it  be  on  account  of  the  other  party 
having  been  guilty  of  adultery. 

This  house  also  concurred  in  the  further  amendments  of 
the  House  of  Bishops,  to  one  of  the  Canons. 

A  further  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  with  the  proposed  hymns,  and  the  resolution  relative  to 
the  same,  which  they  had  passed,  with  a  substitute  for  one 
of  the  hymns. 

In  this  proposed  substitute  the  house  concurred. 

Certain  petitions  addressed  to  the  General  Convention, 
communicated  by  Ammi  Rogers  to  the  House  of  Bishops, 
which  they  had  not  opened,  were  sent  by  them  to  this  house. 
Whereupon  the  delegates  from  the  State  of  Connecticut 
were,  at  their  request,  permitted  to  withdraw;  and  on 
motion,  it  was 

Resolved, — That  as  this  house  have  already  decided  that 
they  have  no  cognizance  of  the  case  of  Ammi  Rogers,  he 
have  leave  to  withdraw  these  petitions. 

The  following  proposed  resolution  was  passed  unani 
mously  : — 

Whereas,  associated  Rectorships  are  inconsistent  with  the 
usages  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  and  in  many  re 
spects  inconvenient; 


1808.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION. 

Resolved, — That  it  be  recommended  to  the  different  State 
Conventions  of  this  Church  not  to  authorise,  in  future,  as 
sociated  Rectorships,  and  that  when  the  existing  associated 
Rectorships  shall  expire,  not  to  renew  the  same. 

The  above  resolution  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops, 
and  returned  with  their  concurrence. 

The  following  resolutions  were  also  passed  by  this  house, 
sent  by  the  Secretary  of  this  house  to  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  and  returned  with  an  amendment,  in  which  this  house 
concurred. 

Resolved, — That  the  Hymns  set  forth  by  this  Convention, 
together  with  those  now  authorized,  be  printed  in  a  small 
volume,  under  the  direction  of  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore 
of  New  York,  and  the  President  and  Secretary  of  the  House 
of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies;  that  the  said  Committee  be 
directed  to  annex  tables  to  the  Hymns  and  Psalms,  suiting 
them  to  particular  subjects  and  occasions;  that  these  Hymns 
and  tables  be  inserted  in  all  future  editions  of  the  Book  of 
Common  Prayer,  under  the  regulations  of  the  Canon  pre 
scribing  the  mode  of  publishing  authorised  editions  of  the 
Book  of  Common  Prayer;  and  that  the  edition  of  the 
Hymns,  thus  set  forth  by  the  authority  of  this  Convention, 
be  the  standard  copy. 

Resolved, — That  the  Secretary  of  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies  prepare  the  Journals  and  other  acts  of 
this  Convention  for  publication ;  and  that  the  said  Secretary, 
with  the  President  of  the  house,  and  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Moore,  be  a  Committee  to  publish  the  same,  together  with 
the  Sermon  preached  at  the  opening  of  this  Convention,  and 
the  Pastoral  Letter  of  the  House  of  Bishops;  and  that  the 
Book  of  Canons  and  the  Office  of  institution,  published  by 
said  Committee,  be  authorised  as  standard  copies. 

Resolved, — That  the  city  of  New  Haven,  in  the  State  of 
Connecticut,  be  the  place  for  the  meeting  of  the  next  Gen 
eral  Convention,  which  will  be  held,  agreeably  to  the  Consti 
tution,  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  May,  A.  D.  1811. 

Resolved, — That  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Claggett  be  re 
quested  to  preach  a  Sermon  at  the  opening  of  the  next  Gen 
eral  Convention ;  and  that,  in  case  of  his  absence,  the  House 
of  Bishops  be  requested  to  appoint  one  of  their  Order  to 
preach  a  Sermon. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be 
returned  to  the  President  and  Secretary. 


350      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1808. 

This  day  being  the  Festival  of  the  Ascension,  the  House 
of  Bishops,  and  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies, 
attended  Divine  service  in  St.  Paul's  Church. 

Service  was  celebrated  by  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
White. 

ABRAHAM  BEACH,  PRESIDENT. 

ATTESTED  : 
JOHN  HENRY  HOBART,  Secretary. 


JOURNAL 


OF    THE 


fjousp  of  IBisljop. 


CITY  OF  BALTIMORE,  Tuesday,  May  17,  1808. 

Nine  o'clock,  A.M. 
to  a  resolution  of  the  last  General 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episco 
pal  Church,  appointing  this  city  as  the  place  of  the 
next  meeting ;  and  this  being  the  day  of  their  said  meeting, 
fixed  by  the  Constitution  of  the  said  Church,  there  met,  in 
St.  Paul's  Church,  of  the  House  of  Bishops,  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  White,  of  Pennsylvania,  and  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Claggett,  of  Maryland ;  who  adjourned  to  five  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  of  the  same  day. 

TUESDAY  AFTERNOON. 

Present  as  in  the  forenoon. 

The  House  of  Bishops  adjourned  to  the  house  of  the  Rev 
Dr.  Bend,  in  the  vicinity  of  St.  Paul's  Church. 

Resolved, — That,  agreeably  to  the  offer  of  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Bend,  his  house  be  the  place  of  meeting  during  the  sitting 
of  the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  James  Whitehead,  associate  Rector  of  St. 
Paul's  parish,  in  this  city,  was  appointed  Secretary  of  this 
house. 

This  house  received  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bend,  a  message  from 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  informing  that 
they  were  organized,  and  ready  to  proceed  to  business. 

(351) 


352  JOURNAL   OF   THE   GENERAL   CONVENTION.         [180S. 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bend  be  desired  to  inform 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  that  this  house  are 
also  ready  to  proceed  to  business. 

This  house  also  received  a  message  from  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  stating,  that  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Parker,  who  had  been  appointed  to  open  this  Conven 
tion  with  a  Sermon,  having  departed  this  life,  it  is  the  wish 
of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  that  the  said 
service  may  be  performed  by  a  member  of  this  house. 

Whereupon  Resolved, — That  the  desire  be  complied  with, 
and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bend  is  authorised  to  inform  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  that  Bishop  White  intends  to 
open  the  Convention  with  a  discourse  to-morrow,  at  the  hour 
which  has  been  publicly  notified  for  divine  service. 

The  house  adjourned. 


WEDNESDAY,  May  18,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met,  and  adjourned  to  attend  divine  service  in 
St.  Paul's  Church.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Beach  performed  service, 
and  a  Sermon,  adapted  to  the  occasion  of  the  meeting  of  the 
Convention,  was  preached  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White. 
After  service,  the  Bishops  returned  to  their  place  of  meeting. 
Present  as  yesterday. 

Resolved, — That  this  house  will  attend  divine  service, 
during  the  Session,  in  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu 
ties  ;  and  the  hours  of  business  appointed  by  said  house  be 
observed  by  this  house. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hobart,  with  a  communica 
tion  of  the  thanks  of  the  said  house  to  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
White,  for  his  Sermon  preached  this  morning,  and  with  a 
request  that  he  furnish  a  copy  of  the  same  for  publication. 
With  this  request  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White  complied. 

The  house  adjourned. 


THURSDAY,  May  19,    8  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 

A  message  was  received  by  the  Rev.  Drs.  Bend  and  Moore, 
with  the  following  communication  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies. 


1808.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      353 

"  Resolved, — That  in  Article  the  third  of  the  Constitu 
tion,  the  words,  '  unless  adhered  to  by  four-fifths  of  the 
other  house,'  be  struck  out;"  to  which  resolution  this  house 
gave  their  concurrence. 

A  message  was  also  received  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bull,  with 
the  following  communication  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  viz.,  "  The  house  resolved  that  the  Journals 
of  the  different  State  Conventions,  Episcopal  addresses,  pa 
rochial  reports,  and  other  Ecclesiastical  documents  present 
ed,  and  some  of  them  read  in  this  house,  be  forwarded  to 
the  House  of  Bishops,  in  order  that  they  may  draw  up  a 
Pastoral  Letter  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  to  be  read  in 
this  house,  and  published  agreeably  to  the  eleventh  Canon  of 
1804." 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Kemp,  with  a  resolution 
against  the  expediency  of  setting  forth  a  Companion  for  the 
Altar;  in  which  resolution  this  house  concurred. 

This  house  also  received  the  following  resolution. 

"Resolved, — That  the  communication  of  the  Church  in 
Maryland,  requesting  the  attention  of  the  General  Conven 
tion  to  the  English  Canon  respecting  marriages,  and  the  ex 
pediency  or  inexpediency  of  adopting  the  same,  and  order 
ing  it  to  be  inserted  in  the  future  editions  of  the  Book  of 
Common  Prayer,  be  referred  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  to 
take  up  the  subject  if  they  deem  it  expedient,  during  the 
present  or  some  future  Convention,  and  to  make  any  com 
munication  to  this  house  which  they  may  think  proper." 

The  house  adjourned. 


FRIDAY,  May  20,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met.  Present  as  yesterday. 
There  was  presented  to  this  'house  a  letter,  signed  "  William 
H.  Winder,"  enclosing  two  documents,  signed  "  Ammi  Ro 
gers."  Mr.  Winder  informs  this  house,  that  he  is  counsel 
for  the  said  Ammi  Rogers,  who,  in  the  documents  referred 
to,  appeals  to  the  General  Convention  from  a  sentence  of 
degradation  said  to  have  been  passed  on  him,  without  trial 
or  hearing,  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Jarvis,  of  Connecticut. 

This  house  having  considered  the  contents  of  the  aforesaid 
papers,  are  of  opinion  that,  agreeably  to  the  Constitution  of 
VOL.  I.— 23 


854          JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      [1808. 

this  Church,  they  have  no  authority  to  act  on  an  appeal  in 
Tegard  to  the  matter  stated;  and  there  is  no  existing  mode 
by  which  any  Bishop  or  Bishops  of  this  Church  can  take 
cognizance  of  the  conduct  of  any  other  Bishop,  unless  at  the 
desire  of  the  Convention  of  the  diocese  to  which  such  a 
Bishop  should  helong,  and  conformably  to  tha  rules  of  pro 
cess  by  them  established. 

And  whereas  this  house  acted  on  the  concerns  of  the  said 
Ammi  Rogers,  in  the  Session  of  1804,  as  appears  by  the 
Minutes,  they  now  wish  it  to  be  known  that  their  proceedings 
at  that  time  originated  in  his  own  petition,  relative  to  the 
following  points. 

1st.  Whether  he  belonged  to  the  diocese  of  Connecticut, 
or  to  that  of  New  York. 

2dly.  The  recalling,  which  he  proposed,  of  a  circular  let 
ter  written  by  Bishop  Jarvis,  forbidding  the  petitioner  to 
perform  divine  service  in  the  diocese,  and  the  Clergy  and 
Laity  of  the  same  to  countenance  him  as  a  Minister. 

3dly.  A  candid  and  impartial  inquiry  into  his  conduct  and 
character. 

On  the  first  of  the  said  points,  the  house  then  assembled, 
being  assured  that  both  the  parties  were  disposed  to  submit 
to  their  determination,  declared  it  to  be,  that  Ammi  Rogers, 
was  a  Clergyman  not  of  New  York,  but  of  Connecticut. 

The  second  point  being  a  matter  of  internal  concern  of 
the  Church  in  Connecticut,  was  not  acted  on  judicially  by 
this  house ;  although,  as  their  opinion  was  expected  on  both 
sides,  they  expressed  it  as  it  was,  approbatory  of  the  mea 
sure. 

On  the  third  point,  they  were  of  opinion  that  Ammi  Ro 
gers,  far  from  having  been  treated  with  injustice,  had  not  re-' 
ceived  a  sentence  sufficiently  severe. 

To  the  opinions  thus  given,  no  addition  or  alteration  is  in 
tended  by  this  house;  and  they  finally  dismiss  the  subject 
from  their  consideration. 

This  house,  wishing  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties  to  be  informed  of  their  proceedings  on  the  application 
now  before  them,  direct  that  the  Secretary  deliver  to  them  a 
copy  of  the  minute  now  made,  with  the  papers  on  which  it 
is  grounded.  They  also  direct  the  Secretary  to  deliver  a 
copy  of  the  minute  to  William  H.  Winder,  Esq.,  and  for  the 
further  information  of  that  gentleman,  to  deliver  with  it  a 
copy  of  the  Constitution  of  this  Church. 


1808.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     355 

The  above  was  accordingly  communicated  to  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  and  a  message  was  received  from 
them,  containing  the  following  unanimous  resolution. 

That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  house,  that  agreeably  to  the 
6th  Article  of  the  Constitution,  the  General  Convention 
have  no  cognizance  of  the  case  of  Ammi  Rogers,  and  that 
he  therefore  have  leave  to  withdraw  his  petition. 

The  house  adjourned. 


SATURDAY,  May  21,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 

In  consequence  of  the  message  received  by  this  house 
from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  concerning  the 
English  Canon  about  marriages,  the  following  message  was 
sent. 

The  House  of  Bishops  having  taken  into  consideration  the 
message  sent  to  them  by  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties,  relative  to  the  subject  of  marriage,  as  connected  with 
the  table  of  degrees,  within  which,  according  to  the  Canons  of 
the  Church  of  England,  marriage  cannot  be  celebrated,  ob 
serve  as  follows : 

Agreeably  to  the  sentiment  entertained  by  them,  in  rela 
tion  to  the  whole  Ecclesiastical  system,  they  consider  that 
table  as  now  obligatory  on  this  Church,  and  as  what  will  re 
main  so ;  unless  there  should  hereafter  appear  cause  to  alter 
it,  without  departing  from  the  Word  of  God,  or  endangering 
the  peace  and  good  order  of  this  Church.  They  are,  how 
ever,  aware,  that  reasons  exist  for  making  an  express  de 
termination  as  to  the  light  in  which  this  subject  is  to  be 
considered.  They  conceive  so  highly  of  the  importance  of 
it,  and  it  is  connected  with  so  many  questions,  both  sacred 
and  civil,  that  they  doubt  the  propriety  of  entering  on  it, 
without  maturer  consideration  than  any  expected  length  of 
the  present  Session  will  permit ;  and  this  opinion  derives  ad 
ditional  weight,  both  from  there  being  but  few  of  their  house 
present,  and  from  there  being  several  of  the  churches  not 
represented  in  this  Convention. 

Accordingly,  they  content  themselves  with  recommending 
the  subject  to  be  considered  and  acted  on  at  a  future  Con 
vention. 

This  house  received  a  message  from  the  House  of  Clerical 


356      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1808. 

and  Lay  Deputies,  with  certain  resolutions,  grounded  on  the 
memorial  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  State  of  New  Hampshire,  in  which  resolutions 
this  house  concurred. 

This  house  also  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  a  resolution  relative  to  the  "Prayer  to  be 
used  at  the  meetings  of  the  Convention." 

The  house  adjourned. 


MONDAY,  May  23,  1808,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  on  Saturday. 

This  house,  in  consequence  of  the  communication  from 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  of  the  Journals, 
parochial  reports,  and  other  Ecclesiastical  documents,  and 
agreeable  to  the  llth  Canon  of  the  General  Convention  of 
1804,  agreed  on  a  "Pastoral  Letter  from  the  House  of  Bish 
ops  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  to  the  members  of 
the  same,"  which  was  sent  by  the  Secretary  to  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  in  order  to  be  read  in  said  house. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  with  certain  resolutions  on  the  subject  of  ap 
pointing  a  Committee  to  address  the  Church  in  certain  dis 
tricts,  and  for  other  purposes,  which  resolutions  the  house 
considered,  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties  a  substitute  therefor. 

Five  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  a  draft  of  the  Canons,  as  revised  by  said  house; 
and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hobart,  who  delivered  this  message,  was 
permitted,  agreeably  to  a  request  of  the  said  house,  to  give 
the  necessary  information  relative  to  said  Canons. 

The  house  entered  on  the  consideration  of  them,  and  ad 
journed  without  finishing  the  same. 


TUESDAY,  May  24, 1808,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 

The  house  proceeded  in  the  consideration  of  the  Canons, 
as  revised  and  amended  by  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies. 


1808.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      357 

Five  o'clock,  P.M. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  the  remainder  of  the  Canons,  revised  and  amend 
ed,  with  certain  information  relative  to  them,  by  the  Secre 
tary  of  said  house. 


WEDNESDAY,  May  25,  1808,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Clarkson,  the  proposed  substitute 
from  this  house  to  the  resolutions  appointing  a  Committee  to 
address  the  Church  in  certain  districts,  and  for  other  pur 
poses,  with  proposed  amendments,  in  which  this  house  con 
curred.  And  also  a  resolution  to  make  known  to  the  State 
Conventions,  a  proposed  addition  to  the  Constitution  of  the 
Church,  in  which  this  house  concurred. 

This  house  received  from  -the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dashiell, 
a  resolution  relative  to  Hymns,  with  a  proposed  additional 
number  of  Hymns. 

A  further  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Cleri 
cal  and  Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hobart,  with  certain 
resolutions  proposing  alterations  in  the  Office  of  induction, 
in  which  this  house  concurred ;  and  this  house  also  received 
certain  resolutions  on  the  subject  of  duels  and  divorces. 

This  house  proceeded  in  the  consideration  of  the  revised 
Canons  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties,  and  having  passed  several  of  them,  with  amendments, 
sent  them  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  for 
their  concurrence. 

Five  o'clock,  P.M. 

This  house  finished  the  consideration  of  the  revised  Ca 
nons,  and  returned  them,  with  amendments,  to  the  House 
of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

This  house  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu 
ties  the  following  resolve,  concerning  persons  who  have  al 
ready  been  received  as  candidates  for  Orders. 

Resolved, — That  the  Canon  regulating  the  preparatory  ex 
ercises  of  candidates  for  Orders,  shall  not  affect  those  per 
sons  who  have  already  been  received  as  candidates,  but  that 


368  JOURNAL  OP  THE  GENERAL   CONVENTION.        [1808. 

their  cases  shall  be  governed  by  the  Canons  on  said  subject, 
which  were  in  existence  at  the  commencement  of  the  present 
Convention.  (!) 

The  house  adjourned  to  8  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


THURSDAY,  May  26,  1808,  8  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hobart,  a  message,  that  the  said 
house  had  non-concurred  in  one  of  the  amendments  proposed 
by  this  house,  to  one  of  the  revised  Canons,  had  concurred 
in  the  other  amendments,  and  proposed  further  amendments. 
In  these  amendments  this  house  concurred. 

They  also  receded  from  their  proposed  amendment,  returned 
by  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  and  proposed  a 
further  amendment,  in  which  they  were  afterwards  informed 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  concurred. 

This  house  adopted  the  resolutions  sent  from  the  House 
of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  relative  to  duels  and  divorces, 
with  an  amendment,  in  which  the  said  house  concurred. 

This  house  returned  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties,  the  resolution  concerning  the  Prayer  to  be  used  at 
the  opening  of  the  Convention,  wishing  to  delay  the  inser 
tion  of  the  same,  among  the  Occasional  Prayers  in  the  Book 
of  Common  Prayer,  until  some  future  occasion. 

This  house  took  up  the  consideration  of  the  resolution 
from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  relative  to  an 
additional  number  of  Hymns,  and  adopted  the  same;  they 
also  adopted  the  proposed  Hymns,  with  the  exception  of  one 
Hymn,  instead  of  which  they  proposed  another. 

This  house  also  received  a  message,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Ho 
bart,  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  stating 
that  the  said  house  had  agreed  to  the  substitute  to  one  of  the 
Hymns;  and  requesting  the  concurrence  of  this  house  in  a 

(1)  With  the  approbation  of  the  Presiding  Bishop,  the  Secretary  of  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  states,  that  through  inadvertence, 
this  resolution  was  not  transmitted  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties,  but  that  from  the  sentiments  expressed  in  said  house,  during  the 
consideration  of  the  Canons,  it  appeared  to  be  understood,  that  the  Canon 
concerning  the  preparatory  exercises  was  not  designed  to  affect  those  per- 
ions  who  had  already  been  received  as  candidates  for  Orders. 


1808.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      359 

resolution  disapproving  of  associated  Rectorships,  and  to 
sundry  resolutions  relative  to  the  setting  forth  of  the  Hymns, 
the  publishing  of  the  Journals,  the  place  of  meeting  of  the 
next  General  Convention  and  the  preacher  at  the  opening  of 
the  same.  The  house  passed  the  aforesaid  resolutions,  with 
an  amendment  to  the  resolution  concerning  the  setting  forth 
of  the  Hymns,  in  which  amendment  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies  concurred. 

Certain  petitions  were  received  from  Ammi  Rogers,  which, 
as  this  house  had  resolved  to  dismiss  the  subject  of  his  case 
finally  from  their  consideration,  they  did  not  open,  but  or- 
Jered  them  to  be  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  De 
puties,  wh9  informed  this  house  that  they  had  granted  leave 
to  the  said  Ammi  Rogers  to  withdraw  these  petitions. 

Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be  given  to  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Bend,  for  the  accommodations  which  they  have  re 
ceived  in  the  use  of  his  parlour,  and  in  other  attentions,  dur 
ing  the  Session  of  the  Convention. 

The  house  rose,  after  attending,  with  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  divine  service  at  St.  Paul's  Church — this 
day  being  the  Festival  of  the  Ascension. 

Divine  service  was  celebrated  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
White. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Bishops. 

WILLIAM  WHITE, 

PRESIDING  BISHOP. 

Attested:  JAMES  WHITEHEAD,  Secretary. 

N.B.  The  Canons  passed  at  this  Convention  are  published 
with  the  Constitution  of  this  Church,  in  a  distinct  pam 
phlet. — [NOTE  TO  ORIGINAL  EDITION.] 


Hisf  of  flji? 

OF   THE 

PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH, 

In  the  United  States  of  America,  1808. 

Delivered  in  and  published  agreeably  to  the  16th  Canon 
of  1789. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 
St.  John's  church,  Portsmouth,  vacant. 

Rev.  Robert  H.  Fowle,  rector  of church,  Holdernesse. 

Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  rector  of church,  Clermont. 

Rev.  Mr.  Catlin  officiates  at  Plainfield. 
Rev.  Samuel  Mead. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

Rev.  William  Willard  Wheeler,  rector  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Scituate, 

and  St.  Peter's,  Marshfield. 

Rev.  Nathaniel  Fisher,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Salem. 
Rev.  John  Sylvester  I.  Gardner,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  Boston. 
Rev.  Mr.  Eaton,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Boston. 
Rev.  Samuel  Haskill,  rector  of  St.  Ann's  church,  Gardiner. 
Rev.  William  Montague,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Dedham. 
Rev.  James  Bowers,  rector  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Marblehead. 
Rev.  Timothy  Hilliard,  Minister  of  the  church  at  Portland. 
Rev.  James  Morss,  Minister  of  St.  Paul's,  Newburyport. 
Rev.  Amos  Pardy,  rector  of  St.  Luke's  church,  Lanesborough. 
Rev.  Samuel  Griswold,  rector  of  St.  James's  church,  Great  Barrington,  and 

the  church  at  Lenox. 

RHODE  ISLAND. 

Rev.  Theodore  Dehon,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  Newport. 
Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold,  rector  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Bristol. 
Rev.  Mr.  Ward,  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church,  Newport. 
Rev.  Nathan  B.  Crocker,  rector  of church,  Providence. 

(361) 


362  APPENDIX.  [1808. 

CONNECTICUT. 

The  Right  Rev.  Abraham  Jarvis,  D.D.,  Bishop. 

Rev.  Tillotson  Bronson,  Principal  of  the  Episcopal  Academy,  Cheshire. 
Rev.  Richard  Mansfield,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Christ  Church  Derby,  and  of 

the  Churches  of  Oxford  and  Great  Hill. 
Rev.  Bela  Hubbard,  D.D.,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  New  Haven,  and  Christ 

church,  West  Haven. 
Rev.  John  Tyler,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Norwich. 

Rev.  Daniel  Fogg,  rector  of church,  Pomfret. 

Rev.  Philo  Shelton,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  Fairfield,  St.  John  s,  Strat- 

field,  and church,  Weston. 

Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Stratford,  and  Trinity 

church,  Trumbull. 

Rev.  Chauncey  Prindle,  rector  of  the  churches  of  Oxford  and  Salem. 
Rev.  Reuben  Ives,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Cheshire,  and  the  churches 

of  Hamden  and  Southington. 

Rev.  Truman  Marsh,  rector  of  the  associated  churches,  Litchfield. 
Rev.  Ambrose  Todd,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Huntingdon. 
Rev.  Daniel  Burhans,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  Newtown,  and  St.  Luke's 

church,  Brookfield. 

Rev.  Solomon  Blakslee,  rector  of  St.  Stephen's  church,  East  Haddam. 
Rev.  Charles  Seabury,  rector  of  St.  James's  church,  New  London. 
Rev.  Smith  Miles,  rector  of  the  churches  at  Chatham  and  Middle  Had 
dam. 

Rev.  Menzies  Rayner,  rector  of  the  church,  Hartford. 
Rev.  Henry  Whitlock,  rector  of  the  churches  at  Norwalk  and  Wilton. 
Rev.  Calvin  White,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ  church,  Derby. 
Rev.  Nathan  B.  Burges,  rector  of  the  church,  Hebron. 
Rev.  Roger  Searl,   rector  of  St.  Mark's  church,  Harrington,  and  the 

church  in  Northfield. 

Rev.  Horace  Virgil  Barber,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Waterbury. 
Rev.  Russel  Wheeler,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Watertown,  and  the  church 

in  Bethlehem. 

Rev.  Asa  Cornwall,  rector  of  the  churches  in  Simsbury  and  Granby. 
Rev.  Elijah  G.  Plumb,  Deacon  in  the  churches  of  Danbury,  Reading, 

and  Ridgefield. 
Rev.  Benjamin  Benham,  Deacon  in  St.  Peter's  church,  New  Milford,  and 

the  churches  of  Roxbury  and  New  Preston. 
Rev.  David  Baldwin,  Deacon  in  the  churches   of  Guilford  and  North 

Bristol. 

NEW  YORK. 

The  Right  Rev.  Benjamin  Moore,  D.D.,  Bishop,  and  rector  of  Trinity 

church,  New  York. 

Rev.  Amos  G.  Baldwin,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  Utica. 
Rev.  Theodosius  Bartow,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  New  Rochelle. 
Rev.  John  F.  Bartow,  Deacon,  St.  Michael's  church,  Bloomingdale,  New 

York. 
Rev.  Edmund  D.  Barry,  Principal  of  the  Episcopal  Academy,  New  York, 

officiates  at  Christ  church,  Jamaica. 
Rev.  Abraham  Beach,  D.D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church,  New 

York. 
Rev.  Frederick  Beasley,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Albany. 


1808.]  APPENDIX.  363 

Rev.  John  Bowden,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Moral  Philosophy,  Logic,  and 
Rhetoric  in  Columbia  College,  New  York. 

Rev.  David  Butler,  officiating  at  Troy  and  Lansinburgh. 

Rev.  Barzillai  Buckley,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Poughkeepsie,  and  Tri 
nity  church,  Fishkill. 

Rev.  James  Chapman,  Deacon,  Trinity  church,  New  York. 

Rev.  Abraham  L.  Clarke,  rector  of  St.  James's  church,  Newtown,  and  St. 
George's,  Flushing. 

Rev.  Elias  Cooper,  Rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Yonkers. 

Rev.  Joab  G.  Cooper,  Deacon,  Christ  church,  Hudson. 

Rev.  Henry  I.  Feltus,  St.  Anne's  church,  Brooklyn. 

Rev.  William  Harris,  rector  of  St.  Mark's  church,  Bowery,  New  York. 

Rev.  Seth  Hart,  rector  of  St.  George's  church,  Hempstead,  with  which  is 
connected  Christ  Church,  North  Hempstead. 

Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart,  D.D.,  an  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church, 
New  York. 

Rev.  Thomas  Y.  How,  Deacon,  Trinity  church,  New  York. 

Rev.  Cave  Jones,  an  Assistant  Minister,  Trinity  church,  New  York. 

Rev.  Jonathan  Judd,  Rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Johnstown,  and 

church,  Fort  Hunter. 

Rev.  Thomas  Lyell,  rector  of  Christ  church,  New  York. 

Rev.  Richard  C.  Moore,  D.D.,  rector  of  St.  Andrew's,  Staten  Island. 

Rev.  David  Moore,  Deacon,  Staten  Island. 

Rev.  Daniel  Nash,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Otsego,  St.  Luke's,  Rich 
field,  and  Harmony  church,  Butternuts. 

Rev.  Samuel  Nesbitt,  residing  in  New  York. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Provoost,  New  York. 

Rev.       Davenport  Phelps,  Missionary  in  the  western  part  of  the  State. 

Rev.  Philo  Perry,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Ballstown. 

Rev.  Joseph  Prentiss,  Deacon,  Athens  and  Cocksackie. 

Rev.  Joseph  Reed,  St.  Luke's  church,  Catskill. 

Rev.  Evan  Rogers,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Rye. 

Rev.  Cyrus  Stebbins,  rector  of  St.  George's  church,  Schenectady. 

Rev.  George  Strebeck,  rector  of  St.  Stephen's  church,  New  York. 

Rev.  John  Urquhart. 

Rev.  Frederick  Van  Home. 

Rev.  Joseph  Warren,  St.  Peter's  church,  Peekskill,  and  St.  Philip's 
church,  Philipstown. 

Rev.  Isaac  Wilkins,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  West  Chester,  and  St. 
Paul's  church,  East  Chester. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

Rev.  Charles  H.  Wharton,  D.D.,  rector  of  St.  Mary's  church,  Burlington. 
Rev.  Henry  Waddell,  rector  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Trenton. 
Rev.  John  Croes,  rector  of  Christ  church,  New  Brunswick,  and  St.  Pe 
ter's  church,  Spotswood. 

Rev.  Jasper  D.  Jones,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Perth  Amboy. 
Rev.  Joseph  Willard,  D.D.,  rector  of  Trinity  church,  Newark. 
Rev.  John  C.  Rudd,  rector  of  St.  John's  church,  Elizabethtown. 
Rev.  Simon  Wilmer,  Trinity  church,  Swedesborough. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  William  White,  D.D.,  Bishop. 
Rev.  Samuel  Magaw,  D.D. 


364  APPENDIX.  [1808. 

Rev.  John  Andrews,  D.D.,  Vice-Provost  of  the  University  of  Pennsyl 
vania. 

Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ  Church  and 
St.  Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Rev.  Joseph  Hutchins,  D.D. 

Rev.  John  Campbell,  rector  of  the  churches  of  York  and  Huntingdon. 

Rev.  Joseph  Pilmore,  D.D.,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Philadelphia. 

Rev.  Slator  Clay,  rector  of  St.  David's,  Radnor;  St.  Peter's  in  the  Valley, 
and  St.  James's,  Perkiomen. 

Rev.  Joseph  Clarkson,  rector  of  St.  James's,  Lancaster,  St.  John's  church, 
Pequea,  and  Bangor  church,  Carnarvon. 

Rev.  Robert  Ayres,  rector  of  Emanuel  church,  Washington  county,  and 
St.  Peter's  church,  Fayette  county. 

Rev.  Francis  Reno,  Westmoreland  county. 

Rev.  Joseph  Turner,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Chester,  and  St.  Mar 
tin  s,  Marcus  Hook. 

Rev.  Caleb  Hopkins,  rector  of  Christ  church,  Derry  Township,  and  Christ 
church,  Turbut  township,  Northumberland  county. 

Rev.  Thomas  Davis,  Washington  county. 

Rev.  James  Abercrombie,  D.D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ  church  and 
St.  Peter's,  Philadelphia. 

Rev.  Absalom  Jones  (a  black  man),  rector  of  the  African  church  of  St. 
Thomas's,  Philadelphia. 

Rev.  John  Taylor,  Pittsburgh. 

Rev.  Levi  Bull,  rector  of  St.  Gabriel's  church,  Berks  county,  and  St.  Ma 
ry's  church,  Chester  county. 

Rev.  Robert  Ayres. 

DELAWARE. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Clay,  Emanuel  church,  New  Castle. 
Rev.  William  Pryce,  Trinity  church,  Wilmington. 
Rev.  James  Wiltbank,  St.  Peter's  church,  Lewes. 
Rev.  Hamilton  Bell,  St.  Paul's  church,  Georgetown. 

MARYLAND. 

The  Right  Rev.  Thomas  J.  Claggett,  D.D.,  Bishop. 

Rev.  Francis  Barclay,  A.M.,  rector  of  William  and  Mary  parish,  St.  Mary's. 

Rev.  George  Ralph,  Rector  of  All  Faith  parish,  St.  Mary's  county. 

Rev.  Benjamin  Contee,  William  and  Mary,  Charles.(l) 

Rev.  John  Weems,  rector  of  Port  Tobacco  parish,  Charles  county. 

Rev.  Nicholas  W.  Lane,  residing  in  Calvert  county. 

Rev.  Edward  Gant,  Jun.,  residing  in  Calvert  co. 

Rev.  Thomas  Scott,  rector  of  Queen  Anne's,  Prince  George's.(l) 

Rev.  Walter  D.  Addison,  rector  of  St.  John's  parish,  Prince  George's. 

Rev.  Joseph  Messinger,  residing  in  St.  John's,  Prince  George's  county. 

Rev.  William  Swan,  residing  iu  St.  Paul's  parish,  Prince  George's  county. 

Rev.  Bethel  Judd,  A.M.,  Principal  of  St.  John's  College,  and  Rector  of 
St.  Anne's,  Anne  Arundel. 

Rev.  John  W.  Compton,  St.  James',  Anne  Arundel. 

Rev.  Ralph  Higinbothom,  residing  in  Annapolis,  Anne  Arundel. 

Rev.  Joseph  G.  J.  Bend,  D.D.,  associate  rector  of  St.  Paul's  parish,  Bal 
timore  county.(l) 

Rev.  James  Whitehead,  D.D.,  associate  rector  of  St.  Paul's  parish,  Balti 
more^!) 


1808.]  APPENDIX.  365 

Rev.  George  Dashiell,  A.M.,  St.  Peter's,  Baltimore. 

Rev.  John  Armstrong,  rector  of  St.  Thomas's,  Baltimore  county. 

Rev.  John  Coleman,  St.  James's  parish,  Baltimore. 

Rev.  Elijah  D.  Rattoone,  D.D.,  residing  in  Baltimore. 

Rev.  John  Allen,  A.M.,  rector  of  St.  George's,  Harford  county. 

Rev.  George  D.  Handy,  rector  of  St.  John's  parish,  Harford  county. 

Rev.  Thomas  Read,  Prince  George's,  Montgomery. 

Rev.  George  Bower,  A.M.,  rector  of  All  Saints,  Washington  county. 

Rev.  Andrew  T.  M'Cormick,  rector  of  Washington  parish,  Columbia. 

Rev.  John  I.  Sayres,  A.M.,  Minister  of  St.  John's  church,  Washington 

parish,  Columbia. 

Rev.  John  Kewley,  M.D.,  rector  of  Chester  parish,  Kent  county.(l) 
Rev.  Archibald  Walker,  D.D.,  Kent  county. 
Rev.  William  Briscoe,  Deacon,  Kent  county. 
Rev.  William  Duke,  A.M.,  St.  Mary  Anne's  parish,  Cecil  county. 
Rev.  Henry  Lyon  Davis,  A.M.,  rector  of  St.  Stephen's,  Cecil  cou&ty.(l) 
Rev.  John  H.  Reynolds,  rector  of  St.  Paul's,  Queen  Anne's  county. 
Rev.  Joseph  Jackson,  St.  Peter's,  Talbot. 
Rev.  Samuel  Keene,  D.D.,  Talbot  county. 
Rev.  John  Price,  Talbot  county. 
Rev.  James   Kemp,  D.D.,  rector  of  Great  Choptank  parish,  Dorchester 

county.(l) 

Rev.  William  M.  Stone,  rector  of  Stepney  parish,  Somerset  county. 
Rev.  James  Laird,  A.M.,  rector  of  Somerset  parish,  Somerset  county. 
Rev.  David  Ball,  rector  of  All  Hallows  parish,  Worcester  county. 

Those  Clergymen  marked  thus  (1),  were  elected  members  of  the  Stand 
ing  Committee  at  the  last  Convention  in  this  diocese. 

VIRGINIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  James  Madison,  D.D.,  Bishop. 

No  list  of  the  Clergy  was  received  from  this  State. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

Rev.  Edward  Jenkins,  D.D.,  St.  Philip's,  Charleston. 
Rev.  Nathanael  Bowen,  St.  Michael's,  Charleston. 
Rev.  William  Percy,  D.D.,  officiating  at  St.  Philip's  and  St.  Michael's, 

Charleston. 

Rev.  J.  D.  Simons,  Deacon,  Charleston. 
Rev.  Thomas  Mills,  rector  of  St.  Andrew's  parish. 
Rev.  Andrew  Fowler,  rector  of  St.  Bartholomew's. 
Rev.  Galen  Hicks,  rector  of  St.  Helena's  church  in  Beaufort. 
Rev.  John  T.  Nankivel,  rector  of  St  Thomas  and  St.  Dennis. 
Rev.  Hugh  Frazier,  rector  of  Prince  Frederick's. 
Rev.  Christopher  E.  Gadsden,  Deacon,  St.  John's,  Berkley. 
Rev.  J.  T.  Tsheudy,  Deacon,  Clermont. 

Rev.  Thomas  Gates,  D.D.,  residing  in  St.  George's  parish,  Dorchester. 
Rev.  Milward  Pogson,  residing  in  Charleston. 
Rev.  Paul  Trapier  Gervais,  Deacon,  Charleston. 

Vacant  parishes  in  this  State  are,  Prince  George  Winyah,  Georgetown ; 
St.  Stephen's,  Santee ;  St.  James's,  Goose  Creek ;  St.  George's,  Dorches 
ter;  St:  John's,  Colleton;  St.  Helena,  on  the  Island  of  St.  Helena;  St. 
Luke's,  St.  Peter's,  All  Saints,  St.  Matthews,  Christ  Church — most  of  them 
able  and  willing  to  support  Ministers. 


JOURNAL  OF   THE  PROCEEDINGS 


OF  THE 


BISHOPS,  CLERGY,  AND  LAITY 


or  THE 


€|pisropal  QSjurrlj, 


A  GENERAL  CONTENTION, 


HELD 


THE  CITY  OP  NEW  HAVEN  FROM  MAY  21  TO  MAY  24,  A.  D.  1811 

(367) 


LIST  OF  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF 
CLERICAL  AOT>  LAY  DEPUTIES. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

The  Hon.  James  Sheafe. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

Eev.  James  Bowers,  Rev.  John  S.  J.  Gardiner, 

Eev.  William  Montague,  Rev.  James  Moras, 

Shubael  Bell. 

RHODE  ISLAND. 

Rev.  Alexander  Viets  Griswold,          Rev.  Salmon  Wheaton, 
Rev.  Nathan  B.  Crocker,  Benjamin  Gardiner, 

John  Russel. 

VERMONT. 

Rev.  Abraham  Brownson,  Rev.  Parker  Adams, 

Anson  J.  Sperry. 

CONNECTICUT. 

Rev.  Bela  Hubbard,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Henry  Whitlock, 

Rev.  John  Kewly,  M.  D.,  Barrage  Beach, 

Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  Gen.  Matthias  Nicoll, 

Col.  William  Moseley. 

NEW  YORK. 

Rev.  John  H.  Hobart,  D.  D.,  Hon.  Rufus  King, 

Rev.  Isaac  Wilkins,  Hon.  Philip  S.  Van  Rensselaer, 

Rev.  Elias  Cooper,  Dr.  John  Onderdonk. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

Rev.  Charles  H.  Wharton,  D.  D.,        Joshua  M.  Wallace, 
Rev.  John  Croes,  Peter  Kean, 

Rev.  John  C.  Rudd,  Edward  Carpenter, 

John  Dennis. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Rev.  Joseph  Pilmore,  D.  D.,  P.  F.  Glentworth,  M.  D., 

Rev.  Levi  Bull,  -Thomas  M'Euen, 

Hon.  James  Milnor,  Ephraim  Clark. 

MARYLAND. 

Rev.  Joseph  G.  I.  Bend,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Henry  Lyon  Davis, 

Rev.  George  Dashiel,  George  Robertson, 

Rev.  James  Kemp,  D.  D.,  Edward  De  Courcy, 

Joseph  Cotman. 

(368) 


JOURNAL 


OF  THE 


f  3  g  NEW  HAVEN,  May  21, 1811. 

1 1  |j;P  being  the  day  appointed  for  the  meeting  of 
the  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episco 
pal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  sev- 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  attended  at  10  o'clock 
A.  M.  in  the  Trinity  Church;  and  a  quorum  of  the 
House  being  present,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton  was  request 
ed  to  take  the  chair,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hobart  to  act  as 
Secretary  pro  tempore. 

The  House  then  proceeded  to  read  the  testimonials  of 
the  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies;  which  were  severally  ap 
proved,  and  the  following  gentlemen  took  their  seats  in 
the  House. 

From  New  Hampshire,  the  Hon.  James  Sheafe.  From 
Massachusetts,  the  Rev.  James  Bowers,  and  the  Rev. 
"William  Montague.  From  Rhode  Island,  the  Rev. 
Alexander  Viets  Griswold,  the  Rev.  Nathan  B.  Crocker, 
Benjamin  Gardiner,  and  John  Russel.  from  Vermont, 
the  Rev.  Abraham  Brownson— he  having  previously 
presented  a  certificate  that  the  State  of  Vermont  had 
acceded  to  the  Constitution  of  this  Church.  From  Con 
necticut,  the  Rev.  Bela  Hubbard,  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  John 

(369) 


370  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1811. 

Kewly,  M.  D.,  Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  Burrage  Beach, 
Gen.  Matthias  Nicoll,  and  Col.  William  Moseley.  From 
Xew  York,  the  Rev.  John  H.  Hobart,  D.  D.,  Hon.  Rufus 
King,  and  the  Hon.  Philip  S.  Van.  Rensselaer.  From 
Xew  Jersey,  the  Rev.  Charles  H.  Wharton,  D.  D.,  the 
Rev.  John  Croes,  the  Rev.  John  C.  Rudd,  Joshua  M. 
Wallace,  and  Peter  Kean.  From  Pennsylvania,  the  Rev. 
Joseph  Pilmore,  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  Levi  Bull,  the  Hon. 
James  Miluor,  P.  F.  Glentworth,  M.  D.,  Thomas  M'Euen, 
and  Ephraim  Clark.  From  Maryland,  the  Rev.  Joseph 
G.  I.  Bend,  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  George  Dashiel,  the  Rev. 
James  Kemp,  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  Henry  Lyon  Davis,  George 
Robertson,  Edward  De  Courcy,  and  Joseph  Cotman. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  election  of  a  President 
and  Secretary,  when  it  appeared  that  the  Rev.  Isaac 
Wilkins  was  chosen  President,  and  the  Rev.  Ashbel 
Baldwin,  Secretary. 

A  message  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  inform 
ing  them  that  this  house  was  organized  and  ready  to. 
proceed  to  business. 

The  House  of  Bishops  returned  for  answer,  that  they 
also  were  organized,  and  ready  to  proceed  to  business. 

The  House  took  into  consideration  the  rules  of  order, 
and  adopted  the  following. 

1.  Tha  business  of  every  day  shall  be  introduced  with 
the  Morning  Service  of  the  Church. 

2.  When  the  President  takes  the   chair,   no  member 
shall  continue  standing,  or  shall  afterwards  stand  up,  un 
less  to  address  the  chair. 

3.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the  service 
of  the  House,  unless  he  have  leave,  or  be  unable  to  attend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in  debate,  or 
deliver  any  matter  to  the  House,  he  shall,  with  due  re 
spect,  address  himself  to  the  President,  confining  him 
self  strictly  to  the  point  in  debate. 

5.  No   member  shall  speak  more  than  twice  in  the 
same  debate,  without  leave  of  the  House. 

6.  A  question  being  once  determined,  shall  stand  as 
the  judgment  of  the  House,  and  shall  not  be  again  drawn 
into  debate  during  the  same  session,  unless  with  the  con 
sent  of  two- thirds  of  the  House. 


1811.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       371 

7.  "While  the  President  is  putting   any   question,  the 
members  shall  continue  in  their  seats,  and  shall  not  hold 
any  private  discourse. 

8.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  House  when  any 
question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division,  be  counted,  unless 
he  be  personally  interested  in  the  decision. 

9.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before  the  House, 
unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  required,  reduced  to 
writing. 

10.  When  any  question  is  before  the  House,  it  shall 
be  determined  on  before  any  thing  new  is  introduced, 
except  the  question  of  adjournment. 

11.  The  question  on  the  motion  for  adjournment  shall 
be  taken  before  any  other,  and  without  debate. 

12.  When  the  House  is  about  to  rise,  every  member 
shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  President  shall  leave  his  chair. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Clergy  of  the  Protest 
ant  Episcopal  Church,  who  may  be  in  the  city  of  New 
Haven,  and  who  are  not  members  of  this  House,  shall 
be  admitted  to  the  sittings  of  the  same. 

This  House  resolved,  that  in  consequence  of  the  ab 
sence  of  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Clagget,  who  had  been 
appointed  to  open  this  Convention  with  a  sermon,  the 
House  of  Bishops  be  requested  to  appoint  one  of  their 
number  to  perform  that  duty ;  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Kemp 
was  appointed  to  communicate  this  request  to  the  House 
of  Bishops. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Kemp  returned  with  a  message  from  the 
House  of  Bishops,  that  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White  in 
tends  to  open  the  Convention,  with  a  discourse,  to-mor 
row,  at  the  hour  which  has  been  appointed  for  divine 
service. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  that  the  hour  of  meeting  each 
day  shall  be  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M. 

This  House  adjourned  to  meet  at  the  court-house  to 
morrow. 

WEDNESDAY,  May  22,  1811. 

The  House  met. 

The  Rev.  Parker  Adams,  a  Clerical  Deputy,  and  Anson 
J.  Sperry,  a  Lay  Deputy  from  the  State  of  Vermont ;  the 


372  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1811. 

Rev.  John  S.  J.  Gardiner,  and  the  Rev.  James  Mores, 
Clerical  Deputies,  and  Shubael  Bell,  a  Lay  Deputy,  from 
Massachusetts;  the  Rev.  Isaac  Wilkins  and  the  Rev. 
Elias  Cooper,  Clerical  Deputies,  and  Dr.  John  Onder- 
donk,  a  Lay  Deputy,  from  New  York ;  the  Rev.  Salmon 
Wheaton,  a  Clerical  Deputy  from  Rhode  Island;  and  the 
Rev.  Henry  "Whitlock,  a  Clerical  Deputy  from  Connecti 
cut,  appeared  and  took  their  seats. 

The  House  attended  divine  service  in  Trinity  Church. 

The  Rev.  Isaac  "Wilkins  performed  divine  service,  and 
the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White  preached  a  sermon  adapted 
to  the  occasion  of  the  meeting  of  the  Convention. 

After  divine  service  the  house  met. 

On  motion,  Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of 
the  Convention  be  returned  to  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
White,  for  his  sermon  preached  before  the  Convention 
this  morning,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy 
for  publication. 

The  House  of  Bishops  concurred  in  this  resolution, 
and  informed  this  House  that  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
White  would  furnish  a  copy  of  his  sermon  for  the  pur 
pose  aforesaid. 

On  motion,  by  the  Hon.  Rufus  King,  Resolved,  That 
the  following  extract  from  the  Journals  of  a  Special 
Convention,  held  in  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  May 
15,  A.  D.  1811,  be  entered  on  the  Journals  of  this 
House  : — "  Resolved,  that  the  Convention  will  now  pro 
ceed  to  the  choice  of  a  Bishop ;  to  assist  Bishop  Moore 
in  the  duties  of  his  Episcopal  office,  and  to  succeed  him 
in  case  of  survivorship.  The  Convention  then  proceed 
ed  to  the  election ;  and  on  counting  the  ballots,  it  ap 
peared  that  the  Rev.  John  II.  Hobart,  D.  D.,  was  elected 
by  a  majority  of  both  orders." 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  this  House  will  now  pro 
ceed  to  sign  the  testimonials  in  favour  of  the  Rev.  John 
II.  Hobart,  D.  D.,  Bishop  elect  for  the  State  of  New- 
York;  which  testimonials  were  unanimously  signed  by 
the  House,  agreeably  to  the  third  Canon  of  this  Church. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Gardiner  made  a  communication  to 
this  House,  that  the  Rev.  Alexander  Yiets  Griswold  had 


1811.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       373 

been  canonically  elected  Bishop  of  the  diocese,  com 
posed  of  the  States  of  ISTew  Hampshire,  Massachusetts, 
Rhode  Island,  and  Vermont. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  this  House  will  now  pro 
ceed  to  sign  the  testimonials  in  favour  of  the  Rev. 
Alexander  V.  Griswold,  Bishop  elect  of  the  Eastern 
Diocese;  which  testimonials  were  unanimously  signed 
by  the  House,  agreeably  to  the  third  Canon  of  this 
Church. 

The  House  adjourned. 


THURSDAY,  May  23, 1811. 

The  House  met. 

John  Dennis  and  Edward  Carpenter,  Lay  Delegates 
from  the  State  of  New  Jersey,  appeared  and  took  their 
seats. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  delegation  from  the 
State  of  New  York  be  requested  to  present  the  testimo 
nials  signed  by  this  House  in  favour  of  the  Rev.  John 
H.  Hobart,  D.  D.,  Bishop  elect,  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  delegation  from  the 
States  of  New  Hampshire,  Massachusetts,  Rhode-Island, 
and  Vermont,  be  requested  to  present  to  the  House  of 
Bishops  the  testimonials  signed  by  this  House,  in  favour 
of  the  Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold,  Bishop  -elect. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bartow  presented  a  certificate  of  his 
appointment  to  attend  the  Convention,  signed  by  the 
wardens  and  vestry  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  the  city 
of  Savannah,  State  of  Georgia,  which  was  read. 
Whereupon,  Resolved,  That  the"  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  State  of  Georgia,  not  being  organized, 
and  not  having,  in  Convention,  acceded  to  the  Constitu 
tion  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bartow  cannot  be  ad 
mitted  a  member  of  this  House,  but  that  he  be  allowed 
the  privilege  of  an  honorary  seat. 

This  day  being  the  Festival  of  the  Ascension,  the 
House  attended  divine  service  in  Trinity  Church, 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Pilmore  performed  service,  and  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Wharton  delivered  a  sermon. 


374      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1811. 

After  divine  service  the  House  met. 

The  House  of  Bishops  informed  this  House,  that  they 
desired  an  interview  with  the  Deputies  of  the  Churches 
in  those  States  in  which  the  Rev.  Mr.  Griswold  has 
been  elected  to  the  Episcopal  chair. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  that  the  Deputies  from  New 
Hampshire,  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  -and  Vermont, 
be  requested  to  wait  on  the  House  of  Bishops. 

Agreeably  to  the  45th  Canon  of  the  Church,  the  jour 
nals  of  several  State  Conventions  were  handed  into  the 
House — the  parochial  reports,  and  Episcopal  addresses 
inserted  in  those  journals  were  read  by  the  Secretary, 
and  a  particular  inquiry  was  made  into  the  State  of  the 
Church  in  each  diocese.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Kemp,  Rev.  Dr. 
Hobart,  Rev.  Mr.  Montague,  Dr.  Glentworth,  and  Burrage 
Beach,  Esq.,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  lay  before 
this  house  a  view  of  the  state  of  the  Church,  agreeably 
to  the  45th  Canon. 

The  House  of  Bishops  informed  this  House,  that  hav 
ing  received  from  them  the  testimonials  of  two  Rever 
end  Gentlemen  elected  to  the  Episcopacy,  they  lament 
that  they  cannot  proceed  to  the  consecration  of  those 
two  Reverend  Gentlemen  during  the  session  of  this 
Convention,  there  being  only  two  Bishops  present;  but 
they  propose  (God  willing)  to  carry  this  design  into 
effect  in  the  City  of  New-\  ork,  as  soon  as  possible  after 
the  rising  of  this  Convention. 

A  petition  was  presented  to  this  House,  signed  by 
Benajah  Hawley,  which  was  read  and  ordered  to  lie  on 
the  table. 

The  House  of  Bishops  informed  this  House,  that  in 
reference  to  the  object  of  the  appointment  of  a  commit 
tee  at  the  last  Convention  to  act  in  the  recess,  for  the 
devising  measures  for  sending  a  Bishop  into  the  West 
ern  States,  that  whenever  the  said  business  shall  be 
taken  up  by  this  Convention,  the  House  of  Bishops  are 
in  possession  of  some  communications  which  they  think 
worthy  of  consideration. 

The  house  adjourned. 


1811.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       375 

FRIDAY,  May  26,  1811. 

The  House  met,  and  morning  service  was  performed 
by  the  Secretary,  in  Trinity  Church. 

The  Committee  appointed  at  the  last  General  Con 
vention  on  the  memorial  from  the  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  New  Hamp 
shire,  reported,  That  they  had  made  no  progress  on  the 
subject  of  their  appointment.  Whereupon  resolved, 
That  inasmuch  as  this  House  has  received  information, 
that  the  object  of  said  Committee  has  been  happily  ac 
complished,  said  Committee  is  consequently  discharged 
from  any  further  attention  to  this  business. 

The  Committee  appointed  at  the  last  General  Con 
vention  to  address  the  Church  in  certain  districts,  and 
for  other  purposes,  made  the  following  report,  which 
was  read,  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

"  The  Committee  appointed  at  the  last  General  Con 
vention  to  address  the  Church  in  certain  districts,  and 
for  other  purposes,  Report,  That  a  quorum  of  the  said 
Committee  resident  in  the  city  of  New  York,  met  and 
appointed  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  to  draft  and  to 
transmit  the  several  addresses  specified  in  the  first  three 
resolutions.  This  duty  was  discharged  by  him  accord 
ingly.  The  Committee  not  having  any  reasonable  pros 
pect  of  accomplishing  the  object  contemplated  in  the 
4th  resolution,  of  sending  a  Bishop  into  those  States  or 
territories  which  have  not  acceded  to  the  Constitution 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States 
of  America,  did  not  proceed  to  elect  a  person  to  said 
office,  or  to  take  any  measures  in  that  business. 

JOHN  H.  HOBART, 
Secretary  of  the  Committee. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops, 
with  certain  documents  on  the  subject  of  a  western 
Episcopacy,  which  were  read. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  documents  from  the 
House  of  Bishops,  relative  to  the  western  Episcopacy, 
be  returned  to  them,  with  a  request  from  this  House, 
that  they  will  take  what  order  on  the  subject  they  may 
deem  advisable. 


376       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1811. 

There  was  laid  before  this  House,  by  the  House  of 
Bishops,  a  petition,  addressed  to  this  Convention  by  the 
Rev.  William  Smith,  D.  D.  of  Norwalk,  in  the  State  of 
Connecticut,  relative  to  a  book  of  music  composed  by 
him,  entitled,  "  The  Churchman's  Choral  Companion  to 
his  Prayer  Book."  Whereupon,  Resolved,  That  it  is 
inexpedient  to  take  any  order  on  that  subject;  which 
resolve  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  House  of  Bishops  proposed  to  the  House  of  Cler 
ical  and  Lay  Deputies  the  appointment  of  a  Committee 
for  further  attention  to  the  object  of  the  4th  resolution 
(recorded  page  14  in  the  journal  of  the  last  Convention), 
and  that  the  Bishops  in  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia  be 
requested  to  correspond  with  each  other,  for  the  de 
vising  means  whereby  the  congregations  west  of  the 
Allegany  mountains  may  be  benefitted  by  any  measures 
to  be  adopted  by  the  Committee,  the  appointment  of 
which  is  hereby  recommended.. 

The  foregoing  communication  was  considered  by  this 
House ;  whereupon,  Resolved,  That  the  Bishops  in 
Pennsylvania  and  Virginia  be  requested  to  devise  means 
for  supplying  the  Congregations  of  this  Church,  west  of 
the  Allegany  mountains,  with  the  ministrations  and 
worship  of  the  same,  and  for  the  organizing  the  Church 
in  the  western  States, — any  thing  in  the  37th  Canon  to 
the  contrary  notwithstanding.  The  foregoing  resolves 
were  ordered  to  be  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  petition,  signed  by  Benajah  Hawley,  which  was 
yesterday  read  before  the  House,  was  again  considered. 
On  motion,  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  House, 
that  the  prayer  of  the  petitioner  cannot  be  granted,  and 
that  he  have  leave  to  withdraw  his  petition. 

A  memorial  signed  by  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Benhum 
and  the  Rev.  Virgil  H.  Barber,  was  presented  to  this 
House,  and  read  by  the  Secretary. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  it  is  inexpedient  to  take 
any  order  on  the  aforesaid  memorial. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  presiding  Bishop  of 
the  House  of  Bishops  be  respectfully  requested  to  ad 
dress  a  letter,  in  behalf  of  this  Convention,  to  the  vener- 


1811.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       377 

able  Society  in  England  for  propagating  the  Gospel  in 
Foreign  Parts,  informing  them  that  the  Church  in  the 
State  of  Vermont  is  duly  organized,  and  in  union  with 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United  States, 
being  placed  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Bishop  of 
New-Hampshire,  Massachusetts,  Rhode-Island,  and  Ver 
mont.  That  a  Board  of  Trustees  of  Donations  to  the 
Church  has  been  incorporated  in  the  State  of  Massachu 
setts;  and  that,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Convention,  the 
Society  may  safely  confide  the  care  of  their  lands  in 
Vermont  to  such  attorney  or  attornies  as  may  be  recom 
mended  by  the  said  Board  of  Trustees,  and  approved  by 
the  Ecclesiastical  Convention  of  Vermont. 

The  foregoing  resolution  was  ordered  to  be  sent  to 
the  House  of  Bishops. 

A  Canon  repealing  the  46th  Canon,  for  making 
known  the  Constitution  and  Canons  of  this  Church,  was 
proposed  and  adopted. 

The  Kev.  Dr.  Bend  was  requested  to  carry  the  above 
Canon  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  who  returned  it  with, 
their  concurrence. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  that  the  following  addition  to 
the  8th  article  of  the  Constitution,  proposed  at  the  last 
General  Convention  be  agreed  to. 

"  No  alteration  or  addition  shall  be  made  in  the  Book 
of  Common  Prayer,  or  other  offices  of  the  Church,  un 
less  the  same  shall  be  proposed  in  one  General  Conven 
tion,  and  by  a  resolve  thereof  made  known  to  the  Con 
vention  of  every  Diocese  or  State,  and  adopted  at  the 
subsequent  General  Convention;"  which  resolution  was 
directed  to  be  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  House  of  Bishops  informed  this  House,  that  they 
concur  with  them  in  the  proposed  addition  to  the  8th 
article  of  the  constitution. 

The  House  of  Bishops  inform  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  deputies,  that  the  presiding  Bishop  undertakes, 
(God  willing)  to  perform  the  service  requested  of  him, 
in  relation  to  certain  lands  in  Vermont  belonging  to 
the  venerable  Society  in  England,  for  the  propagation 
of  the  Gospel. 


378  JONRNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1811. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  that  the  resolution  passed  by 
the  last  Convention,  on  the  subject  of  duelling,  be  con 
sidered  as  not  precluding  any  Minister  from  performing 
the  burial  service,  when  the  person  giving  or  receiving 
a  challenge  has  afterwards  exhibited  evidences  of  sin 
cere  repentance. 

The  foregoing  resolve  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  and  returned  with  their  concurrence. 

Resolved,  That  when  this  House  shall  adjourn,  they 
will  adjourn  to  meet  at  7  o'clock  this  evening. 

Leave  of  absence  was  granted  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Croes, 
and  Anson  J.  Sperry,  Esq.  during  the  remainder  of  the 
session. 

The  House  adjourned. 


FRIDAY,  7  o'clock  P.  M. 

The  House  met. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  city  of  Philadelphia 
be  the  place  for  the  meeting  of  the  next  General  Con 
vention,  which  will  be  held  on  the  third  Tuesday  in 
May,  1814 ;  which  resolve  was  ordered  to  be  sent  to  the 
House  of  Bishops. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  draft  a  report  of  the 
state  of  the  Church  to  be  laid  before  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  made  the  following  report,  which  was  read  and 
accepted,  and  directed  to  be  sent  to  that  House. 

"  The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  in  compli 
ance  with  the  requisitions  of  the  45th  Canon,  have  taken 
a  general  view  of  the  state  of  the  Church,  and  respect 
fully  offer  to  the  House  of  Bishops  the  result  of  their 
inquiries.  Time  would  not  admit  them  to  enter  into  a 
minute  detail  of  every  particular;  but  from  the  few 
observations  they  have  made,  and  the  documents  that 
will  accompany  them,  they  hope  the  House  of  Bishops 
will  be  able  to  comply  with  the  requisition  of  the  above 
mentioned  Canon,  in  regard  to  a  pastoral  letter. 

NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 

"  The  number  of  Churches  in  this  State  has  not 
increased,  but  respect  for,  and  attachment  to  the  Church 


1811.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       379 

seem  to  be  growing  in  several  places ;  and  were  there 
more  Ministers  there  is  reason  to  hope  that  it  would 
soon  be  in  a  state  of  prosperity. 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


"  In  some  parts  of  this  commonwealth,  it  is  greatly  to 
be  lamented  that  the  Churches  are  in  a  state  of  derange 
ment  and  decay;  while  in  other  places  the  congregations 
have  increased. 


RHODE-ISLAND. 
<c 


The  congregations  in  this  State,  though  few,  are 
large,  and,  with  the  exception  of  the  Church  in  Karra- 
ganset,  there  appears  to  be  a  degree  of  zeal  and  regu 
larity  that  promises  the  happiest  effect. 

VERMONT. 

"  We  are  highly  gratified  to  find  that  the  Church  in 
this  State  is  now  organized,  and  that  zealous  exertions 
are  making  to  promote  its  interest  and  advancement. 

EASTERN  DIOCESE  IN  GENERAL. 

"  Although  in  these  States,  now  formed  into  a  diocese, 
some  irregularities  have  taken  place,  and  there  has  been 
a  want  of  attention  to  the  Canons  and  Rules  of  the 
Church,  particularly  to  the  Canon  which  requires  paro 
chial  reports  to  be  made,  yet  the  arrangements  lately 
formed,  and  the  exertions  made  to  organize  the  Church, 
and  to  obtain  for  it  an  Episcopal  head,  yield  a  ground 
of  hope  that  this  branch  of  the  Church  of  Christ  will 
not  only  preserve,  but  even  extend  more  and  more  the 
light  of  the  blessed  Gospel. 

CONNECTICUT. 

"In  Connecticut  we  have  reason  to  believe  that  the 
Canons  and  liules  of  the  Church  are  duly  observed. 
Since  the  last  General  Convention  between  four  and  five 
hundred  families  have  been  added  to  the  Church;  the 
congregations  are  in  a  flourishing  condition ;  a  number 
of  new  Churches  have  been  built,  and,  with  the  zeal  and 


380   <   JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    r!811. 

exertions  of  the  Clergy,  we  may  cherish  the  expectation, 
that  the  power  as  well  as  the  form  of  godliness  will 
greatly  advance. 

NEW  YORK. 

"  Here  it  is  believed  that  the  Church  is  orderly  and 
regular.  Congregations  are  every  year  forming,  and 
the  old  ones  seem  to  maintain  their  usual  ground.  In 
the  city  of  New  York,  in  particular,  several  new  Church 
es  have  been  built,  and  in  the  Diocese  in  general  pros 
perity  seems  to  attend  the  Church. 

NEW    JERSEY. 

"In  this  State  the  Church  appears  to  conduct  her 
affairs  with  regularity  and  attention.  The  congrega 
tions  are  not  numerous,  but  they  are  generally  orderly 
and  attentive. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

"From  the  documents  laid  before  us,  it  appears  that 
although  the  Bishop  has  called  the  attention  of  the 
Clergy  to  the  requisition  of  the  45th  Canon,  still  they 
have  not  presented  their  parochial  reports,  and  the  Con 
vention  is  very  partially  attended.  Many,  however,  of 
the  Clergy  and  Laity  are  zealous  and  attentive.  In  the 
city  of  Philadelphia,  and  in  some  of  the  neighbouring 
counties  new  congregations  have  been  formed,  and 
churches  built,  and  the  affairs  of  the  Church  are  man 
aged  with  attention  and  regularity. 

MARYLAND 

"  The  Church  in  Maryland  is  still  in  a  deplorable  con 
dition  ;  the  zeal,  however,  manifested  in  some  parts  of 
the  State,  yield  a  hope,  that  she  will  again  rise,  and  be 
come  a  distinguished  part  of  the  Church  in  the  United 
States. 

"  There  being  no  representation  from  the  States  of 
Delaware,  Virginia,  and  South  Carolina,  and  no  copies 
of  the  journals  of  the  Conventions  of  those  States,  this 
House  are  unable  to  speak  with  certainty  as  to  the  situa 
tion  of  the  Churches  in  those  districts.  They  fear, 


1811.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       381 

indeed,  that  the  Church  in  Virginia  is,  from  various 
causes,  so  depressed,  that  there  is  danger  of  her  total 
ruin,  unless  great  exertions,  favoured  by  the  blessing  of 
Providence,  are  employed  to  raise  her.  In  South  Caro 
lina,  there  is  reason  to  believe,  that  a  lively  zeal  for  the 
interests  of  the  Church  prevails,  which,  guided  by  sound 
principles,  has  already  suggested  various  measures, 
which  promise  great  and  lasting  benefit.  The  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  beg  leave  to  observe  to  the 
Houso  of  Bishops,  that  while  the  review,  in  which  they 
have  been  engaged,  of  the  state  of  the  Church,  affords 
too  much  cause  for  deploring  her  declension  in  some 
places  where  she  once  flourished,  her  prosperity  in  other 
parts,  and  her  general  situation  justify  the  most  sanguine 
hopes  of  her  friends.  With  an  increasing  attachment  to 
her  Apostolic  ministry,  and  her  primitive  forms,  they 
trust  there  is  a  corresponding  increase  of  that  power  of 
godliness,  which  the  outward  order  of  the  Church  is 
designed  to  excite  and  nourish. 

"They  pray,  for  the  Church  and  for  themselves,  your 
counsel,  and  the  blessing  of  Almighty  God. 

"  Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies. 

ISAAC  WILKINS,  PRESIDENT." 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  this  Convention  have  un 
derstood,  with  satisfaction,  that  the  Convention  of  the 
Church  in  Connecticut  are  engaged  in  obtaining  for  the 
Episcopal  Academy  in  that  State  a  charter  empowering 
the  trustees  to  grant  degrees,  and  this  Convention  do  ex 
press  their  earnest  wish  for  the  success  of  this  measure. 
This  resolution  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  and 
returned  with  their  concurrence. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops, 
informing  this  House,  that  they  concur  with  them  in  ap 
pointing  the  city  of  Philadelphia  for  the  meeting  of  the 
next  General  Convention. 

A  "Pastoral  Address,"  prepared  in  pursuance  of  the 
45th  Canon,  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  House  of  Bishops  be 


382  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1811. 

requested  to  appoint  one  of  their  own  order  to  preach  a 
sermon  at  the  opening  of  the  next  General  Convention; 
which  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  and  returned 
with  the  following  message:  "The  House  of  Bishops 
state  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  that 
they  hope,  under  the  blessing  of  God,  for  the  attendance 
of  their  brother,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Clagget,  at  the 
next  General  Convention,  and  for  his  performance  of  the 
duty  looked  for  from  him,  had  his  health  permitted,  at 
the  opening  of  the  present.  But  should  there  be  a  dis 
appointment  in  this  respect,  the  two  Bishops  now  present 
(God  willing)  intend  to  provide  by  correspondence  be 
tween  themselves,  or  with  some  one  of  their  Right  Rev 
erend  Brethren,  for  the  performance  of  this  duty." 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  of  the  House 
of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  prepare  the  journals  of  this 
Convention  for  publication;  and  that  the  said  Secretary, 
with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hobart,  the  Hon.  Rufus  King,  and  Dr. 
John  Onderdonk,  be  a  Committee  to  publish  the  same, 
together  with  the  sermon  preached  at  the  opening  of  the 
Convention,  and  the  Pastoral  Address  of  the  House  of 
Bishops. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  House 
be  presented  to  the  President  and  Secretary. 

ISAAC  WILKINS,  PRESIDENT. 
Attested,  ASHBEL  BALDWIN,  Secretary. 


JOURNAL 


OF  THE 


CITY  OF  NEW  HAVEN,  Tuesday,  May  21,  1811. 
it  I 1£  being  the  day  appointed  by  the  Constitution 


of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America,  for  the  meeting  of  the 
General  Convention  of  said  Church;  and  agreea 
bly  to  a  resolve  of  the  last  General  Convention  of  the 
Church,  in  the  city  of  Baltimore,  the  city  of  New  Haven 
being  appointed  the  place  of  meeting,  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  White,  of  Pennsylvania,  and  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Jarvis,  of  Connecticut,  met  in  Trinity  Church, 
in  the  aforesaid  city.  It  appeared  that  Bishop  Clagget, 
who  engaged  to  open  the  Convention  with  a  sermon,  had 
left  his  place  of  residence,  on  his  way  to  this  city,  but 
was  obliged,  by  indisposition,  to  return 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Provost,  and  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Moore  were  prevented  from  attending  by  bodily 
disability,  and  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Madison  by  en 
gagements,  which,  in  his  estimation,  did  not  admit  of 
belong  dispensed  with  at  this  time. 

The  House  of  Bishops  received  a  communication  from 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.. 
Bend,  informing  them  that  they  were  organized,  and 
ready  to  proceed  to  business.  Dr.  Bend  was  desired  to 
inform  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  that  the 
House  of  Bishops  was  also  ready. 

(383) 


384  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.          [1811. 

This  House  was  informed  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Kemp,  that 
it  was  the  desire  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu 
ties,  that  the  House  of  Bishops  would  provide  one  of 
their  own  order  to  deliver  a  sermon  to-morrow  morning 
at  10  o'clock.  They  returned  for  answer,  that  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  White  would  deliver  a  discourse  at  the 
afore-mentioned  time. 

Resolved,  That  this  House  attend  divine  service  with 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  during  the  ses 
sion. 

Resolved,  That  this  House  adjourn  to  9  o'clock  to-mor 
row  morning,  to  meet  in  the  State-House. 


WEDNESDAY,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

Met  according  to  adjournment.     Present  as  yesterday. 

This  House  was  informed,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hubbard, 
that  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  were  ready 
to  proceed  to  Church  for  divine  service.  This  House 
joined  the  procession,  and  went  to  Trinity  Church.  The 
Rev.  Mr.  Wilkins  read  prayers,  and  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  White  delivered  a  sermon.  After  divine  service 
they  returned  to  the  State-House. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Philo  Shelton  act  as  Secretary 
to  this  House. 

A  message  was  received,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bend,  from 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  that  they  re 
turned  the  thanks  of  that  House  to  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  White,  for  his  sermon  delivered  this  day  before 
the  Convention,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  furnish  a 
copy  for  publication. 

Iheir  request  was  complied  with. 

This  House  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


THURSDAY,  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

Met  according  to  adjournment.     Present  as  yesterday. 

At   10  o'clock  this  House  joined   the  procession  of 

Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  and  went  to  Trinity  Church, 


1  811.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       385 

where  divine  service  was  read  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Pilmore, 
aud  a  sermon  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton;  they 
then  returned  to  the  State-House,  and  resumed  their 
business. 

This  House  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  the  testimonials  in  favour  of  the  Rev.  John 
H.  Hobart,  D.  D.,  as  Bishop  elect  for  the  diocese  of  New 
York;  also  testimonials  in  favour  of  the  Rev.  Alexander 
Yiets  Griswold,  for  the  Churches  of  Rhode  Island,  Mas 
sachusetts,  New  Hampshire  and  Vermont. 

In  reference  to  the  election  of  the  Rev.  John  H.  Ho 
bart,  D.D.,  there  was  laid  before  this  House  the  follow 
ing  letter  from  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore. 


YORK,  May  18,  1811. 
"BRETHREN:  —  You  will  perceive  by  the  proceedings  of 
the  Convention  lately  held  in  this  State,  that  the  Rev. 
Dr.  John  Henry  Hobart  has  been  elected  Assistant 
Bishop  in  this  Diocese.  My  design  in  addressing  these 
few  lines  to  you,  is  to  express  my  heartfelt  approbation 
of  the  above  measure. 

Your  affectionate  brother, 

BENJAMIN  MOORE. 
By  his  son  Clement  C.  Moore. 

To  the  Right  Rev.,  the  Bishops  of  the  Protestant  Epis 
copal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  assmbled 
in  General  Convention,  at  New  Haven,  in  Connecticut." 

It  not  appearing  on  the  face  of  the  testimonials  of  the 
Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold,  how  far  the  Convention  of 
the  Churches  for  which  he  was  elected  had  given  their 
respective  sanctions  to  his  election,  this  House  sent  the 
following  message  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies. 

"  The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  are  inform 
ed  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  that  they  desire  an  inter 
view  with  the  Deputies  of  the  Churches  in  those  States 
in  which  the  Rev.  Alexander  Y.  Griswold  has  been. 
elected  to  the  Episcopal  chair." 

In  consequence  of  the  above  message,  there  appeared! 


386  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.          [1811. 

from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  a  delega 
tion  from  Massachusetts,  New  Hampshire,  and  Vermont, 
which  gave  this  House  satisfaction,  that  the  Rev.  Alex 
ander  V.  Griswold  was  unanimously  elected  by  the  Con 
vention  of  the  Church  in  Massachusetts,  and  so  far  aa 
the  election  affected  the  Church  in  the  other  States,  it 
was  concurred  in  by  their  respective  Conventions,  and 
reported  to  their  several  constituents,  and  approved  of 
by  them.  With  this  evidence  the  House  was  satisfied. 

On  the  subject  of  the  consecration  of  the  Bishops  elect, 
the  House  sent  the  following  message  to  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

"  The  House  of  Bishops  inform  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  that  having  received  from  them  the 
testimonials  of  two  Reverend  Gentlemen  elected  to  the 
Episcopacy,  they  lament  that  they  cannot  proceed  to  the 
consecration  of  those  two  Reverend  Gentlemen  during 
the  session  of  this  Convention,  there  being  only  two 
Bishops  present;  but  they  propose  (God  willing)  to  carry 
this  design  into  effect  in  the  city  of  New  York,  as  soon 
as  possible  after  the  rising  of  this  Convention." 

The  House  of  Bishops  inform  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  in  reference  to  the  object  of  the  ap 
pointment  of  a  committee  to  act  in  the  recess,  for  the 
devising  of  measures  for  the  sending  of  a  Bishop  into 
the  Western  States,  that  whenever  the  said  business  shall 
be  taken  up  by  this  Convention,  the  House  of  Bishops 
are  in  possession  of  some  communications  which  they 
think  worthy  of  consideration. 

This  House  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  A.  M. 


FRIDAY,  10  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  House,  after  attending  divine  service  in  Trinity 
Church,  met  in  the  State-House.  Present  as  the  day 
before. 

This  House  received,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bend,  a  message 
from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  the  follow 
ing  resolution. 

"Resolved,  That  the  documents  from  the  House  of 


1811.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      387 

Bishops  relative  to  the  Western  Episcopacy  be  returned 
to  them,  with  the  request  of  this  House,  that  they  will 
take  what  order  upon  this  subject  they  may  deem 
advisable." 

There  was  laid  before  this  House  and  read,  a  letter  ad 
dressed  to  both  Houses,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  residing 
in  Norwalk,  in  this  State,  relative  to  a  book  of  music 
composed  by  him,  called,  "  The  Churchman's  Choral 
Companion  to  his  Prayer  Book." 

Resolved,  That  the  said  letter  be  communicated  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies;  which  was  accord 
ingly  done  by  their  Secretary. 

The  following  message  was  received,  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Davis,  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

"  There  was  laid  before  this  House,  by  the  House  of 
Bishops,  a  petition  addressed  to  this  Convention  by  the 
Rev.  William  Smith,  D.  D.,  residing  in  Nbrwalk,  in  the 
State  of  Connecticut,  relative  to  a  book  of  music  com 
posed  by  him,  entitled,  '  The  Churchman's  Choral  Com 
panion  to  his  Prayer  Book.'  " 

Resolved,  That  it  is  inexpedient  for  the  Convention  to 
take  any  order  on  the  subject." 

Resolved,  That  in  the  above  resolution  this  House 
concur. 

This  House  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  a  report  from  the  Committee  appointed  at 
the  last  General  Convention  to  address  the  Church  in  the 
western  districts,  and  for  other  purposes. 

The  following  message  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Cler 
ical  Deputies : 

"  The  House  of  Bishops  propose  to  the  House  of  Cler 
ical  and  Lay  Deputies  the  appointment  of  a  Committee 
for  further  attention  to  the  object  of  the  4th  resolution 
(recorded  page  14  in  the  journal  of  the  last  Convention), 
and  that  the  Bishops  in  Pennsylvania  and  in  Virginia  be 
requested  to  correspond  with  each  other,  for  the  devising 
means  whereby  the  congregations  in  those  States  west 
ward  of  the  Allegany  mountains  may  be  benefited  by 
any  measures  to  be  adopted  by  the  Committee,  the  ap 
pointing  of  which  is  hereby  recommended." 


388       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1811. 

This  House  received,  by  Dr.  Kemp,  from  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  the  following  resolution : 

"Resolved,  That  the  Bishops  in  Pennsylvania  and  Vir 
ginia  be  requested  to  devise  means  for  supplying  the 
congregations  of  this  Church  west  of  the  Allegany 
mountains  with  the  ministrations  and  worship  of  the 
same,  and  for  organizing  the  Church  in  the  Western 
States,  anything  in  the  37th  Canon  to  the  contrary  not 
withstanding." 

The  above  resolution  was  concurred  in  by  this  House. 

This  House  received  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hubbard,  from 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  the  following 
resolve : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  presiding  Bishop  of  the  House  of 
Bishops  be  respectfully  requested  to  address  a  letter,  in 
behalf  of  this  Convention,  to  the  venerable  Society  in 
England  for  propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  in 
forming  them  that  the  Church  in  the  State  of  Vermont 
is  duly  organized,  and  in  union  with  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  of  the  United  States  of  America,  being 
placed  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Bishop  of  the  Dio 
cese  of  New  Hampshire,  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island, 
and  Vermont.  That  a  Board  of  Trustees  of  Donations 
to  the  Church  has  been  incorporated  in  the  State  of 
Massachusetts ;  and  that,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Conven 
tion,  the  Society  may  safely  confide  the  care  of  their 
lands  in  Vermont  to  such  attorney  or  attornies  as  may 
be  recommended  by  the  said  Board  of  Trustees,  and  ap 
proved  by  the  Ecclesiastical  Convention  of  Vermont." 

The  House  of  Bishops  informed  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies  that  the  presiding  Bishop  will,  by  the 
providence  of  Almighty  God,  perform  the  services  re 
quested  of  him,  in  relation  to  certain  lauds  in  Vermont, 
belonging  to  the  venerable  Society  of  England  for  propa 
gating  the  Gospel. 

This  House  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  a  proposed  Canon,  repealing  the  46th 
Canon  for  making  known  the  Constitution  and  Canons 
of  the  Church. 

The  House  of  Bishops  concur  with  the  House  of  Cler- 


1811.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       389 

ical  and  Lay  Deputies  in  the  repealing  the  aforesaid 
Canon. 

The  House  of  Bishops  concur  with  the  House  of  Cler 
ical  and  Lay  Deputies  in  the  proposed  addition  to  the 
8th  article  of  the  Constitution  by  them  resolved,  viz. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  following  addition  to  the  8th 
article  of  the  Constitution,  proposed  at  the  last  General 
Convention  be  agreed  to. 

"  N"o  alteration  or  addition  shall  be  made  in  the  Book 
of  Common  Prayer,  or  other  offices  of  the  "  Church, 
unless  the  same  shall  be  proposed  in  one  General  Con 
vention,  and  by  a  resolve  thereof  made  known  to  the 
Convention  of  every  Diocese  or  State,  and  adopted  at  the 
subsequent  General  Convention." 

This  House  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  a  resolution  on  the  subject  of  duelling,  in 
which  resolution  this  House  concurred. 

This  House  adjourned  to  meet  at  7  o'clock,  P.  M. 


FRIDAY,  7  o'clock,  P.  M. 

The  House  met  according  to  adjournment. 

This  House  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  by  the  hand  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bend,  the 
following  resolution : 

"  On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  next  meeting  of  the 
General  Convention  be  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia." 

In  the  above  resolution  this  House  concur. 

This  House  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  the  following  resolve : 

"Resolved,  That  this  Convention  have  understood, 
with  satisfaction,  that  the  Convention  of  the  Church  in 
Connecticut  are  engaged  in  obtaining  for  the  Episcopal 
academy  in  Cheshire,  a  charter,  empowering  the  trustees 
to  grant  degrees;  and  this  Convention  do  express  their 
earnest  wish  for  the  success  of  this  measure." 

In  the  above  resolve  this  House  concur.     . 

The  House  of  Bishops,  agreeably  to  the  45th  Canon, 
providing  for  a  review  of  the  state  of  the  Church  adopt- 


390  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1811. 

ed  a  Pastoral  Address;  which  was  sent  to  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

This  House  received,  by  the  hands  of  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Hubbard,  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies, 
a  resolve  in  the  following  words  : 

"  Eesolved,  That  the  House  of  Bishops  be  requested  to 
appoint  one  of  their  own  order  to  preach  a  sermon  at  the 
opening  of  the  next  General  Convention." 

This  House  state  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  that  they  hope,  under  the  blessing  of  God,  for 
the  attendance  of  their  brother,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Clagget,  at  the  next  General  Convention,  and  for  his  per 
formance  of  the  duty  looked  for  from  him,  had  his  health 
permitted,  at  the  opening  of  the  present.  But  should 
there  be  a  disappointment  in  this  respect,  the  two  Bishops 
now  present  (God  willing)  intend  to  provide,  by  corres 
pondence  between  themselves,  or  with  some  one  of  their 
Right  Reverend  Brethren,  for  the  performance  of  that 
duty. 

The  House  adjourned. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Bishops: 
WILLIAM  WHITE, 

PRESIDING  BISHOP. 

Attested,  PHILO  SHELTON,  Secretary. 


CANON — Repealing  the  46th  Canon. 

The  46th  Canon,  providing  for  making  known  the  Constitution  and  Can 
ons  of  the  Church,  is  hereby  repealed. 

Addition  to  the  8th  Article  of  the  Constitution. 

No  alteration  or  addition  shall  be  made  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer, 
or  other  Offices  of  the  Church,  unless  the  same  shall  be  proposed  in  one 
General  Convention,  and  by  a  resolve  thereof  made  known  to  the  Conven 
tion  of  every  Diocese  or  State,  and  adopted  at  the  subsequent  General 
Convention. 

HOUSE  OF  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DUPUTIES. 

ISAAC  WILKINS,  PRESIDENT. 
ASHBEL  BALDWIN,  Secretary. 

HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS. 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  PRESIDING  BISHOP. 
PHILO  SHELTON,  Secretary. 


1811.] 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION. 


391 


The  following  Clergy  attended  the  General  Conven 
tion,  and  were  admitted  to  the  sittings  of  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 


The  Eev.  John  V.  Bartow,  Georgia.  The  Rev. 
William  Gibson,  Virginia. 
Oliver  Norris,  Maryland. 
Elijah  G.  Plumb,        Conn. 
Benjamin  Benham, 
Daniel  Burhans, 
Richard  Mansfield,  D.D. 
Calvin  White, 
Russel  Wheeler, 
Virgil  H.  Barber, 
Truman  Marsh, 
Chauncy  Prindle, 
Tillotson  Brunson, 
Asa  Eaton,  Massachusetts. 


Simon  Wilmer,  New  Jersey. 
Thomas  Lyell,  New  York. 
Samuel  F.Jarvis,         " 
Joseph  L).  Welton,      Conn. 
Roger  Searle, 
Menzies  Rayner, 
Smith  Miles, 
John  Tyler, 
Charles  Seabury, 
Solomon  Blakely, 
David  Baldwin, 
Daniel  M' Donald, 
Isaac  Jones, 


lust  of 


OP  THE 


PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH 

In  the  United  States  of  America, 

Delivered  in  and  published  agreeably  to  the 
Canons,  1808. 


EASTERN  DIOCESE. 

Composed  of  the  States  of  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  New  Hampshire, 
and  Vermont. 

The  Right  Rev.  Alexander  Viets  Griswold,  Bishop. 
NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

The  Rev.  Charles  Burroughs,  Deacon,  St.  John's  Church,  Portsmouth. 

The  Rev.  John  H.  Fowle,  Rector  of Church,  Holderness. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  Rector  of Church,  Claremont. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Catlin,  officiates  at  Plainfield. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Mead. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  Rev.  John  Sylvester  J.  Gardiner,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Boston 
The  Rev.  Asa  Eaton,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Boston. 
The  Rev.  Nathaniel  Fisher,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Salem. 
The  Rev.  James  Bowers,  Rector  of  St.  Michael's  Church.  Marblehead. 
The  Rev.  William  Montague,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Dedham. 
The  Rev.  James  Morse,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Newburyport. 
The  Rev.  Amos  Purdy,  Rector  of  St.  Luke's  Church,  Lanesborough. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Griswold,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  Great  Barring- 
ton,  and  the  Church  at  Lenox. 

St.  Michael's  Church,  Scituate,  and  St.  Peter's,  Mansfield,  vacant 
St.  Ann's  Church,  Gardiner,  vacant. 
The  Church  at  Portland  vacant. 
The  Church  at  Hanover,  vacant. 

(392) 


1811.]          JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  393 

RHODE-ISLAND. 

The  Right  Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold,  Rector  of  St.  Michael's  Church, 

Bristol. 

The  Rev.  Nathan  B.  Crocker,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Providence. 
The  Rev.  Salmon  Wheaton,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Newport. 

VERMONT. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Manchester  and  Arlington. 

The  Rev.  Parker  Adams,  Deacon,  Vergennes,  Middlebury  and  Charlotte. 

CONNECTICUT. 

The  Right  Rev.  Abraham  Jarvis,  D.D.,  Bishop. 

The  Rev.  Tillotson  Brunson,  Principal  of  the  Episcopal  Academy,  Cheshire. 

The  Rev.  Richard  Mansfield,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Derby,  and 

the  Churches  of  Oxford  and  Great  Hill. 
The  Rev.  Bela  Hubbard,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New-Haven,  and 

Christ  Church,  West-Haven. 
The  Rev.  John  Tyler,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Norwich. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Fogg,  Rector  of Church,  Pomfret. 

The  Rev.  Philo  Shelton,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Fairfield,  St.  John's, 

Stratfield,  and  the  Church  at  Weston. 
The  Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Stratford,  and  Trinity 

Church,  Trumbull. 

The  Rev.  Chauncy  Prindle.  Rector  of  the  Churches  of  Oxford  and  Salem. 
The  Rev.  Reuben  Ives,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Cheshire,  and  officiat 
ing  in  the  Churches  at  Hambden  and  Wallingford. 

The  Rev.  Truman  Marsh,  Rector  of  the  Associated  Churches  in  Litchfield. 
The  Rev.  Daniel  Burhans,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Newtown,  and  St. 

Luke's,  Brookfield. 

The  Rev.  Solomon  Blakesly,  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Church,  East  Haddam. 
The  Rev.  Charles  Seabury,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  New  London. 
The  Rev.  Smith  Miles,  Rector  of  the  Churches  of  Chatham  and  Middle 

Haddam. 

The  Rev.  Menzies  Rayner,  Rector  of  the  Church,  Hartford. 
The  Rev.  Calvin  White,  Assistant  Minister  of  the  Church  in  Derby. 
The  Rev.  John  Kewley,  M.  D.,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Middletown. 
The  Rev.  Henry  Whitlock,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Norwalk,  and  the 

Church  at  Wilton. 
The  Rev.  Roger  Searle,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Plymouth,  and  St. 

Matthew's,  Bristol. 

The  Rev.  Virgil  H.  Barber,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Waterbury. 
The  Rev.  Russell  Wheeler,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Watertown. 
The  Rev.  Asa  Cornwall,  Rector  of  the  Churches  in  Simsbury  and  Granby. 
The  Rev.  Elijah  G.  Plumb,  Minister  of  the  Churches  in  Reading,  Dan- 
bury,  and  Ridgefield. 
The  Rev.  Benjamin  Benham,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  New  Milford, 

and  the  Churches  of  New  Preston  and  Bridgewater. 
The  Rev.  David  Baldwin,  Rector  of  the  Churches  of  Guilford  and  North 

Bristol. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  D.  Welton,  officiating  in  the  Churches  of  Woodbury, 

Roxbury  and  Bethlehem. 


394       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1811. 

The  Rev.  Sturgis  Gilbert,  officiating  in  the  Churches  of  Kent  and  Sharon. 
The  Rev.  Daniel  M'Donald,  Deacon,  and  assistant  instructor  in  the  Epia- 

c  ^al  Academy,  Cheshire. 

The  Rev.  Nathaniel  Huse,  Deacon,  officiating  at  Warehouse  Point. 
The  Rev.  William  Smith,  D.  D.,  resident  at  Norwalk. 

NEW  YORK. 

The  Right  Rev.  Samuel  Provoost,  D.  D.,         1 
The  Right  Rev.  Benj  imin  Moore,  D.  D.,          >  Bishops. 
The  Right  Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart,  D.  D .,  ) 
The  Rev.  Amos  G.  Baldwin,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Utica. 
The  Rev.  Theodosius  Bartow,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New  Rochelle. 
The  Rev.  Edmund  D.  Barry,  Principal  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Acad 
emy,  New  York  ;  officiating  at  St.  Matthew's  Church.,  Jersey  City. 
The  Rev.   Abraham   Beach,  D.  D.,  Assistant  Rector  of    Trinity  Church, 

New  York. 
The  Rev.  William  Berrian,  Deacon,  residing  in  New  York  ;  officiating  at 

Belville,  New  Jersey. 

The  Rev.  John  Bowden,  D.  D.,  Professor  of  Rhetoric  and  Moral  Philoso 
phy  in  Columbia  College. 

The  Rev.  Nathaniel  Bowen,  Rector  of  Grace  Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  David  Butler,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Troy,  and  Trinity 

Church,  Lansingburgh. 
The  Rev.  Barzillai  Bulkley,  Rector  of    St.  George's   Church,  Flushing, 

Long  Island. 
The  Rev.   Nathan   B.   Burgess,   Caroline   Church,      Brookhaven,    Long 

Island. 

The  Rev.  William  Clark,  Deacon,  Missionary. 
The  Rev.  Timothy  Clowes,  Deacon,  St.  Peter's  Church,  Albany. 
The  Rev    Elias  Cooper,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Yonkers. 
The  Rev.  Joab  G.  Cooper,  Christ  Church,  Hudson,  Columbia  County. 
The  Rev.  Adam  Empie,  Deacon,  Hempstead,  Long  Island. 
The  Rev.  Henry  J.  Feltus,  Rector  of  St.  Ann's  Church,  Brooklyn,  Long 

Island. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Fuller,  Deacon,  Missionary. 
The  Rev.  Nathan    Felch,  Churches   at  Bedford  and  North  Castle,  West 

Chester  County. 

The  Rev.  William  Harris,  Rector  of  St.  Mark's  Church,  New  York.' 
The  Rev.    Seth   Hart,  Rector  of   St.  George's  Church,    Hempstead,  and 

Christ  Church,  North  Hempstead,  Long  Island. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Haskiil,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Rye,  West  Chester 

County. 
The  Rev.  Thomas  Y.  How,  an  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  Church,  New 

York. 

The  Rev.  Reuben  Hubbard,  Duanesborough. 

The  Rev.  S.am'1  F.  Jarvis,  St.  Michael's  Church,  Bloomingdale,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Cave  Jones,  an  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  Church,  N.  York. 
Tne  Rev  Jonathan  Judd,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Johnstown,  and 

St.  Ann's  Church,  Fort  Hunter,  Montgomery  County. 
The  Rev.  Thomas  Lyell,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  New  York 
The  Rev.  Richard  C.  Moore,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Church,  N.  Y. 
The  Rev.  David  Moore,  Deacon,  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Staten  Island. 


1811.]  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  395 

The  Rev    Daniel  Nash,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Otsego,  St.  Luke's 

Church,  Richfield,  Harmony  Church,  Butternutts,  and  other  Church- 

es  in  Otsego  County. 

The  Rev.  Samuei  Nesbit,  residing  in  New  York. 
The  Rev  Joseph  Perry,  Christ  Church,  Balltown. 

The  Rev.  Davenport  Phelps,  Missionary  in  the  Western  Part  of  the  State. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Prentice,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Athens,  Greene  Co. 
The  Rev.  Wm.  Powell,  Dea.,  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Coldenham,  Orange  Co. 
The  Rev.  John  Reed,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Poughkeepsie,  Duchess  Co. 
The  Rev.  Gilbert  H.  Sayres,  Deacon,  Grace  Church,  Jamaica,  Long  Island. 
The  Rev.  Cyrus  Stebbins,  Rector  of  St.  George's  Church,  Schenectady. 
The  Rev.  George  Strebeck,  residing  in  New  York. 

The  Rev.  John  TTrquhart,  Peekskill  and  Phillip's  Town,  Duchess  County. 
The  Rev.  Frederick  Van.  Home,  residing  at  Coldenham. 
The  Rev.  Isaac  Wilkins,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  West  Chester,  and 

St.  Paul's  Church,  East  Chester. 

The  Rev.  Seth  Williston,  Deacon,  Zion  Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  William  E.  Wyatt,  Deacon,  St.  James's  Church,  Newtown,  Long 

Island. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

The  Rev.  Chas.  H.  Wharton,  D.  D.,  Rector,  St  Mary's  Church,  Burlington. 

The  Rev.  John  Croes,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  New  Brunswick,  and  St. 
Peter's  Church,  Spotswood. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Willard,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Newark. 

The  Rev.  John  C.  Rudd,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Elizabeth  Town. 

The  Rev.  Simon  Wihner,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Swedesborough. 

The  Rev.  James  Chapman,  St.  Peter's  Church,  Perth  Amboy. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Hi'gbee,  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Mount  Holly,  and  St. 
Mary's  Church,  Colestown. 

The  Rev.  John  Croes,  jr.  Deacon;  officiating  in  St.  Peter's  Church,  Free 
hold,  Christ  Church,  Shrewsbury,  and  Christ  Church,  Middletown. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  William  White,  D.  D.,  Bishop. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Magaw,  D.  D. 

The  Rev.  John  Andrews,  D.  D.,  Provost  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.  D. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Hutchins,  D.  D. 

The  Rev.  Jame-  Abercrombie,  D.  D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ  Church, 

St.  Peter's  and  St.  James's,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Jos.  Pilmore,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Philadelphia. 
The  Rev.  William  Ayres. 
The  Rev.  Slater  Clay,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Perkiomen,  and  St.  Peter's  in 

the  Valley. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Clarkson,  Rector  of  St.  James's,  Lancaster,  St.  John's 

Church,  Pequea,  and  Bangor  Church,  Carnarvon. 
The  Rev  Robert  Ayres. 

The  Rev.  Francis  Reno,  Westmoreland  County. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Turner,  Rector  of  St.  Martin's  Church,  Marcus  Hook. 
The  Rev.  Caleb  Hopkins,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Derry  Township,  and 

Christ  Church,  Turbutt  Township,  Northumberland  County. 


396  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.          [1811. 

The  Eev.  Thomas  Davis,  Somerset  County. 

The  Rev.  James  Wiltbank,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Oxford,  and  All 

Sain  s,  Peque^ton. 
The  Rev.  Absalom  Jones  (a  hlack  man),  Rector  of  the  African  Church  of 

St.  Thomas,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  John  Taylor,  Hector  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Pittsburgh. 
The  R~v.  Levi  Bull,  Rector  of  St.  Gabriel's  Church,  Berk's  County,  and 

St.  Mary's,  Chester  County. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Hulbert  Turner,  A.  M.,  Deacon. 
The  Rev.  Jackson  Kernper,  A.  M.,  Deacon,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ 

Church,  St.  Peter's  and  St.  James's,  Philadelphia. 

DELAWARE. 

No  list  of  the  Clergy  was  received  from  this  State. 
MARYLAND. 

The  Right  Rev.  Thomas  John  Claggett,  D.  D.,  Bishop. 

*The  Rev.  Benj   Contee,  Rector  of  William  and  Mary,  Charles  County. 

The  Rev.  John  Weems,  Rector  of  Port  Tobacco  Parish,  Charles  County. 

The  Rev.  William  Swann,  residing  in  Port  Tobacco,  Charles  County. 

The  Rev.  William  Duncan,  Rector  of  Durham,  Charles  County. 

The  Rev.  Nicholas  W.  Lane,  residing  in  Calvert  County. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Scott,  Rector  of  Queen  Anne's,  Prince  George's  County. 

*The  Rev.  Bethel  Judd,  A.  M.,  Principal  of  St.  John's  College,  and  Rector 

of  St.  Anne's  Parish. 
The   Rev.   Ralph   Higinbothom,  Vice-Principal,  residing  in  Annapolis, 

Anne  Arundel  County. 

The  Rev.  John  W.  Compton,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Parish,  Anne  Arundel. 
The  Rev.  William  Hind,  Rector  of  Margaret,  Westmoreland,         " 
The  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  Rector  of  Queen  Caroline,  Anne  Arundel. 
The  Rev.  Walter  D.  Addison,  Rector  of  John's,  Territory  of  Columbia. 
The  Rev.  Andrew  T.  M'Cormick,  Rector  of    Washington,    Territory  of 

Columbia. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Read,  Rector  of  Prince  George's,  Montgomery  County. 
The  Rev.  John  Chandler,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's,  Montgomery  County. 
The  Rev.  George  Bower,  Rector  of  St.  John's,  Montgomery  County. 
The  Rev.  George  Bower,  Rector  of  St.  John's,  Washington  County. 
*The  Rev.  Joseph  G.  I.  Bend,  D.  D.,  Associate  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Parish, 

Baltimore  County. 
The  Rev.  Frederic  Beasley,  D.  D.,  Associate  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Parish, 

Baltimore  County. 
The  Rev.  George  Ralph,  A.  M.,  residing  in  St.  Paul's  Parish,  Baltimore 

County. 

The  Rev.  Henry  Moscrop,  residing  in  St.  Paul's  Parish,  Baltimore  County. 
*The  Rev.  George  Dashiel,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's,  Baltimore  County. 
The  Rev.  John  Coleman,  Rector  of  St.  James's,  Baltimore  County. 
The  Rev.  George  D.  Handy,  Rector  of  St.  John's,  Harford  County. 
The  Rev.  John' Allen,  Rector  of  St.  George's,  Harford  County. 
*The  Rev.  Henry  L.  Davis,  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's,  Cecil  County. 
The  Rev.  William  Duke,  residing  in  Elkton,  Cecil  County. 

This  mark  *  denotes  members  of  the  Standing  Committee. 


1811.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       397 

The  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  Rector  of  Charlestown,  Kent  County. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Stephens,  Rector  of  St.  Luke's,  Queen  Anne's  County. 

*The  Rev.  Joseph  Jackson,  St.  Peter's,  Talbot  County. 

The  Rev.  James  Kemp,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  Great  Choptank,  Dorchester  Co. 

Tlu-  Rev.  William  M.  Stone,  Rector  of  Stepney,  Somerset  County. 

The  Rev.  James  Laird,  Rector  of  Somerset,  Somerset  County. 

The  Rev.  David  Ball,  Rector  of  All-Hallow's,  Worcester  County. 

VIRGINIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  James  Madison,  D  D.,  Bishop. 
No  list  of  the  Clergy  was  received  from  this  State. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

The  Rev.  Theodore  Dehon.D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Michael's  Church,  Charleston. 

The  Rev.  James  D.  Simons,  Rector  of  St.  Philips. 

The  Rev  Christopher  Edward  Gadsden,  Assistant  Minister  of  St.  Philip's 

Church,  Charleston 

The  Rev.  William  Percy,  Rector  of  the  third  Episcopal  Church,  Charleston. 
The  Rev.  Thomas  Mills,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Andrews  Parish. 
The  Rev.  Andrew  Fowlef. 

The  Rev  Charles  Blair  Snowden,  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Parish. 
The  Rev.  John  T.  Tschudy,  Rector  of  Claremont  Parish. 
The  Rev.  Solomon  Hailing,  Rector  of  Prince  George,  Winyah,  Georgetown. 
The   Rev.    John   Barnwell   Campbell,    Rector   of    St.   Helena's   Church, 

Beaufort. 

The  Rev.  Hugh  Fraser,  Rector  of  Prince  Frederick's  Parish. 
The  Rev.  Jos.  Warren,  Rector  of  the  Episcopal  Church  on  Edisto  Island. 

CLERGYMEN   IN  THE  STATE   NOT   HAVING  CUBES. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Gates,  D.  D. 
The  Rev.  Milward  Pogson. 
The  Rev.  Paul  T.  Gervais. 
The  Rev.  Galen  Hicks. 

GEORGIA. 
The  Rev.  John  V.  Bartow,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Savannah. 

On  Wednesday,  the  29th  day  of  May,  in  Trinity 
Church,  in  the  city  of  New  York,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
White,  of  Pennsylvania,  being  presiding  Bishop,  the 
Right  Rev.  Bishop  Provoost,  of  New  York,  and  the 
Right  Rev.  Bishop  Jarvis,  of  Connecticut,  being  present, 
and  assisting,  the  Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart,  D.  D.,  of 
New  York,  and  the  Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold,  of 
Bristol,  Rhode  Island,  were  consecrated  Bishops :  the 
former  for  the  Diocese  of  New  York,  and  the  latter  for 
the  Eastern  Diocese,  composed  of  the  States  of  Massa 
chusetts,  Rhode  Island,  New  Hampshire  and  Vermont. 


398       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1811. 

The  following  are  the  certificates  of  consecration  : 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we,  William  "White,  D.  D.,  Bishop 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  presid 
ing  Bishop,  Samuel  Provoost,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  State  of  New  York,  and  Abraham  Jarvis,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  under  the  pro 
tection  of  Almignty  God,  in  Trinity  Church,  in  the  City  of  New  York, 
on  Wednesday,  the  twenty-ninth  day  of  May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eleven,  did  then  and  there  rightly  and 
canonically  consecrate  our  beloved  in  Christ,  John  Henry  Hobart,  D.  D  , 
an  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  Church,  in  the  city  of  New  York,  of 
whose  sufficiency  in  good  learning,  soundness  in  the  faith,  and  purity  of 
manners  we  were  fully  ascertained,  into  the  office  of  Bishop  of  the  Protes 
tant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  New  York,  to  which  he  hath  been 
elected  by  the  Convention  of  said  State  ;  to  assist  the  Bishops  of  the 
Church  in  said  State  in  the  duties  of  the  Episcopal  office,  and  to  succeed 
in  case  of  survivorship. 

Given    in   the  city  of  New  York,  this  twenty-ninth  day  of  May,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eleven. 

WILLIAM  WHITE. 

SAMUEL  PROVOOST. 

ABRAHAM  JARVIS. 

Know  all  mon  by  these  presents,  that  we,  William  White,  D.D.,  Bishop 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  presid 
ing  Bishop,  Samuel  Provoost,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  State  of  New  York,  and  Abraham  Jarvis,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  under  the 
protection  of  Almighty  God,  in  Trinity  Church,  in  the  city  of  New  York, 
on  Wednesday,  the  twenty-ninth  day  of  May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eleven,  did  then  and  there  rightly  and 
canonically  consecrate  our  beloved  in  Christ,  Alexander  Viets  Griswold, 
Rector  of  St.  Michael's  Church,  Rhode  Island,  of  whose  sufficiency  in 
ood  learning,  soundness  in  the  faith,  and  purity  of  manners  we  were 
ully  ascertained,  into  the  office  of  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  Eastern  Diocese,  composed  of  the  States  of  Massachusetts, 
Rhode  Island,  New  Hampshire,  and  Vermont,  to  which  he  hath  been 
elected  by  the  Convention  of  said  States. 

Given  in  the  city  of  New  York,  this  twenty-ninth  day  of  May,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eleven. 

WILLIAM  WHITE. 
SAMUEL  PROVOOST. 
ABRAHAM  JARVIS. 


g 
f 


JOURNAL  OF   THE  PROCEEDINGS 


OF  THE 


BISHOPS,  CLERGY,  AND  LAITY 


OF  THE 


rs 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OP    AMERICA, 


HELD 


THE  CITY  OF  PHILADELPHIA,  FBOM  MAY  17iH,  TO  MAY  24iH, 

1814,   INCLUSIVE. 

(399) 


JOURNAL. 


LIST  OF  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF 
CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES 

who  attended  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episco 
pal  Church,  in  the  United  States,  held  in  Philadelphia, 
in  May,  1814. 


CLERICAL   DEPUTIES. 

VERMONT. 

John  P.  K.  Henshaw. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

John  Sylvester,  Asa  Eaton, 

John  Gardiner,  D.  D.,  James  Morss. 

CONNECTICUT. 

Aahbel  Baldwin,  Philo  Shelton. 

RHODE  ISLAND. 

Salmon  Wheaton,  Nathan  B.  Crocker. 

NEW  YORK. 

John  Kewiey,  M.  D.,  Thomas  Y.  How,  D  D. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

Charles  Henry  Wharton,  D.  D.,          John  C.  Eudd. 
John  Croes,  D.  D., 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Joseph  Pilmore,  D.  D.,  James  Wiltbank, 

James  Abercrombie,  D.  D.,  Levi  Bull. 

400 


1814.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       401 

DELAWARE. 

William  Pryce,  Eobert  Clay. 

MARYLAND. 

James  Kemp,  D.  D.,  William  M.  Stone, 

George  Dashiel,  Daniel  Stephens. 

VIRGINIA. 

William  A.  Wilmer,  Hugh  C.  Boggs. 

Oliver  Norris, 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

John  S.  TBchudy,  Christopher  E.  Gadsden. 


LAY   DEPUTIES. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

John  Deane,  Esq. 

RHODE  ISLAND. 

Benjamin  Gardner,  Esq.,  Abel  Jones,  Esq. 

CONNECTICUT. 

Charles  Sigourney,  Esq. 

NEW  YORK. 

Hon.  Philip  S.  Van  Eensselaer,          Doctor  John  Onderdonk. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

Joshua  M.  Wallace,  Esq.,  Joseph  Higby,  Esq., 

Hon.  William  Coxe,  Josiah  Harrison,  Esq. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

General  Francis  Gurney,  John  M'Elroy,  Esq., 

Thomas  M'Euen,  Esq.,  Jacob  Warren,  Esq. 

DELAWARE. 

Joseph  Burn,  Esq.,  Joseph  Eeynolds,  Esq. 

MARYLAND. 

Bobert  Dunn,  Esq.,  John  C.  Herbert,  Esq. 

VIRGINIA. 

George  Deneale,  Esq.,  Col.  Hugh  Mercer. 

Edward  M'Guire, 


402      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1814. 


LIST  OF  THE  CLERGY 

who  were  admitted  to  attend  the  sittings  of  the  Conven 
tion  of  1814,  not  being  members  of  the  same. 

NEW  YORK. 

David  Moore. 


Timothy  Clowes, 
John  Brady, 


Simon  Wilmer. 


NEW  JERSEY. 
PENNSYLVANIA. 


Joseph  Hatching,  D.  D., 
Joseph  Turner, 


Henry  Lyon  Davis, 
Purnell  F.  Smith, 


Frederick  Beaseley,  D.  D., 
Jehu  C.  Clay. 

MARYLAND. 

Samuel  F.  Turner. 


JOURNAL 


OF  THE 


Ijfongf  of  dSlrriral  and  Hag 


If  r  •>  PHILADELPHIA,  Tuesday,  May  17,  1814. 

>MJ  \&  being  the  day  appointed  for  the  meeting  of  the 
"  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  several 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  attended  at  12  o'clock,  A.  M.,  in 
St.  James'  Church,  and  adjourned  to  meet  at  5  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Same  day,  5  o'clock,  P.  M. 

A  quorum  of  the  House  appearing,  the  Secretary  of  the 
House  in  the  last  Convention  acted  as  Secretary  pro  tempore. 

The  House  then  proceeded  to  read  the  Testimonials  of 
the  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  which  were  severally  approv 
ed,  and  the  following  gentlemen  took  their  seats  in  the 
House. 

From  Massachusetts,  Rev.  John  S.  J.  Gardiner,  D.  D., 
Rev.  James  Morss,  and  John  Deane,  Esq.  From  Rhode 
Island,  Rev.  Salmon  Wheaton,  Rev.  Nathan  B.  Crocker, 
Benjamin  Gardner,  and  Abel  Jones,  Esq.  From  Connecti 
cut,  Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  Rev.  Philo  Shelton,  and  Charles 
Sigourney,  Esq.  From  New  York,  Rev.  John  Kewley, 
M.  D.,  Rev.  Thomas  Y.  How,  D.  D.,  and  Hon.  Philip  S. 
Van  Rensselaer.  From  New  Jersey,  Rev.  Charles  H. 
Wharton,  D.  D.,  Rev.  John  Croes,  D.  D.5  Rev.  John  C. 

403 


404      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1814. 

Kudd,  Joshua  M.  Wallace,  Esq.,  Hon.  William  Coxe,  and 
Joseph  Higby,  Esq.  From  Pennsylvania,  Rev.  James 
Wiltbank,  Rev.  Levi  Bull,  Rev.  James  Abercrombie,  D.  D., 
Rev.  Joseph  Pilmore,  D.  D.,  General  Francis  Gurney, 
Thomas  M'Euen,  and  John  M'Elroy,  Esqrs.  From  Dela 
ware,  Rev.  Willia  i  Pryce.  From  Virginia,  Rev.  Hugh  C. 
Boggs.  From  Maryland,  Rev.  Daniel  Stephens,  Rev.  James 
Kemp,  D.  D.,  Rev.  William  M.  Stone,  and  Robert  Dunn, 
Esq.  From  South  Carolina,  Rev.  John  J.  Tschudy,  and 
Rev.  Christopher  E.  Gadsden. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  election  of  a  President  and 
Secretary,  when  it  appeared  that  the  Rev.  John  Croes,  D.  D. 
was  chosen  President,  and  the  Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  Sec 
retary. 

On  motion,  resolved  unanimously,  That  James  Milnor, 
Esq.,  be  invited  to  assist  the  Secretary  in  the  duties  of  his 
office. 

The  following  rules  of  order  were  then  read  and  adopted: 

1.  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  introduced  with  the 
morning  service  of  the  Church. 

2.  When  the  President  takes  the  chair,  no  member  shall 
continue  standing,  or  shall  afterwards  stand  up,  unless  to 
address  the  chair. 

3.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the  service  of 
the  House,  unless  he  have  leave,  or  be  unable  to  attend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in  debate,  or  de 
liver  any  matter  to  the  House,  he  shall,  with  due  respect, 
address  himself  to  the  President,  confining  himself  strictly 
to  the  point  in  debate. 

5.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice  in  the  same 
debate  without  leave  of  the  House. 

6.  A  question  being  once  determined,  shall  stand  as  the 
judgment  of  the  House,  and  shall  not  be  again  drawn  into 
debate  during  the  same  session,  unless  with  the  consent  of 
two-thirds  of  the  House. 

7.  While   the   President   is   putting  any   question,  the 
members  shall  continue  in  their  seats,  anid  shall  not  hold 
any  private  discourse. 

8.  Every  member,  who  shall  be  in  the  House  when  any 
question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division,  be  counted,  unless  he 
be  personally  interested  in  the  decision. 


1814.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      405 

9.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before  the  House, 
unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  required,  reduced  to  writing. 

10.  When  any  question  is  before  the  House,  it  shall  be 
determined  on  before  any  thing  new  is  introduced,  except 
the  question  of  adjournment. 

11.  The  question  on  a  motion  for  adjournment  shall  bo 
taken  before  any  other,  and  without  debate. 

12.  When  the  House  is  about  to  rise,  every  member  shall 
keep  his  seat  until  the  President  shall  leave  his  chair. 

Doctor  How  presented  a  certificate,  signed  by  the  Clerk 
of  the  Vestry,  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  at  Lex 
ington,  in  the  State  of  Kentucky,  of  the  appointment  of 
Mr.  John  D.  Clifford,  to  represent  the  Church  of  that  State 
in  this  Convention,  which  was  read. 

Whereupon,  Kesolved,  that  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  State  ot  Kentucky  not  being  organized,  and 
not  having  in  convention,  acceded  to  the  Constitution  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America,  Mr.  Clifford  cannot  be  admitted  a  member  of  this 
House,  but  that  he  be  allowed  the  privilege  of  an  honorary 
seat. 

Dr.  Kemp  was  appointed  to  inform  the  House  of  Bishops, 
that  this  House  was  organized  and  ready  to  proceed  to  busi 
ness. 

Dr.  Kemp  reported  that  he  had  performed  that  service, 
and  that  he  was  requested  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  to  in 
form  this  House,  that  they  also  were  prepared  to  proceed  to 
business. 

It  having  been  stated  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Henshaw,  al 
though  a  resident  in  Vermont,  at  the  time  of  his  election 
as  a  Clerical  Delegate  from  that  State,  had  since  removed, 
and  was  a  resident  in  another  State,  it  was  on  motion  Re 
solved,  that  Mr.  Henshaw  be  admitted  to  a  seat  as  a  mem 
ber  of  this  Convention  : 

And  Mr.  Henshaw  took  his  seat  accordingly. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  that  the  Clergy  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church,  who  may  be  in  this  City  during  the 
sitting  of  this  Convention,  and  who  are  not  members,  be 
admitted  to  attend  the  same,  as  visitors. 

On  motion,  ordered,  that  unless  otherwise  directed,  the 
hour  of  meeting,  be  in  future  at  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Adjourned. 


406  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1814. 

Wednesday,  May  18,  1814,  St.  James'  Church. 

House  met. 

The  following  gentlemen  appeared  and  took  their  seats 
in  this  House. 

From  Virginia,  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  Rev.  Oliver 
Norris,  George  Deneale,  Esq.,  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  and  Col. 
Hugh  Mercer.  From  Maryland,  Rev.  George  Dashiel,  John 
C.  Herbert,  Esq.  From  Delaware,  Joseph  Burn,  and  Alex 
ander  Reynolds,  Esq.  From  Massachusetts,  Rev.  Asa 
Eaton.  From  Pennsylvania,  Jacob  Warren,  Esq.  From 
New  York,  Dr.  John  Onderdonk. 

A  certified  extract  from  the  minutes  of  the  Convention 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  State  of  Virginia, 
stating  the  election  by  that  body  of  the  Rev.  Richard  Chan- 
ning  Moore,  as  bishop  of  that  diocese,  was  presented  and 
read.  Whereupon, 

Resolved, — That  the  members  of  this  house,  do  now  pro 
ceed  to  sign  the  testimonials  required  by  the  Canons  in 
favour  of  Dr  Richard  Charming  Moore,  in  order  to  his  con 
secration  as  Bishop  of  the  diocese  of  Virginia  ;  which  was 
accordingly  done,  and  the  certificate  in  proper  form  trans 
mitted  to  the  house  of  bishops. 

The  house  then  rose  for  the  purpose  of  attending  Divine 
Service,  and  Sermon  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart,  on 
occasion  of  the  meeting  of  this  Convention  and  the  Conse 
cration  of  Dr  Moore.  After  which  the  house  resumed  their 
session  ;  and  it  was  on  motion, 

Resolved  unanimously, — That  the  thanks  of  this  Conven 
tion  be  communicated  to  Bishop  Hobart,  for  his  appropriate 
and  excellent  Sermon,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  furnish 
a  copy  of  the  same,  for  publication. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton  was  appointed  to  communicate 
the  foregoing  resolution  to  the  house  of  Bishops  for  their 
concurrence,  and  if  concurred  in  by  them,  to  wait  upon  the 
Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart  with  the  same. 

Dr.  Wharton  reported  that  he  had  performed  the  services 
assigned  him  ;  that  the  resolution  had  been  concurred  in  by 
the  house  of  Bishops,  and  communicated  to  Bishop  Hobart ; 
who  promised  to  comply  with  the  request  of  the  Convention. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  a  Committee,  consisting  of 
one  member  from  each  State  represented  in  this  house,  be 


1814.]     JOURNAL  OP  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      407 

appointed  to  examine  the  Journals  of  the  different  State 
Conventions,  Episcopal  charges,  addresses,  and  pastoral  let 
ters,  which  have  been  or  may  be,  laid  before  this  house 
during  the  present  session,  to  make  inquiry  into  the  state 
of  the  Church  in  each  diocese,  and  into  the  attention  paid 
to  the  Canons  and  Rules  of  the  Church  ;  to  draw  up  a  view 
of  the  state  of  the  Church,  and  report  the  same  to  the  house, 
agreeably  to  the  45th  Canon. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  to  compose  said 
Committee : — 

From  Vermont,  Rev.  Mr.  Henshaw.  From  Massachu 
setts,  Rev.  Dr.  Gardiner.  From  Rhode  Island,  Rev.  Mr. 
Wheaton.  From  Connecticut,  Rev.  Mr.  Shelton.  From 
New  York,  Rev.  Dr.  How.  From  New  Jersey,  Rev.  Mr. 
Rudd.  From  Pennyslvania,  Rev.  Dr.  Abercrombie.  From 
Delaware,  Rev.  Mr.  Pryce.  Virginia,  Rev.  Mr.  Wilmer 
South  Carolina,  Mr.  Tschudy. 

*  Divine  Service  and  Sermon  having  been  announced  as  in 
tended  to  take  place  in  this  church  to-morrow  morning,  at 
10  o'clock,  the  house  agreed  to  meet  at  that  time  for  the 
purpose  of  attending  the  same,  and  immediately  afterwards 
to  proceed  to  the  transaction  of  business. 

Adjourned. 


THURSDAY,  May  19th,  1814. 

House  attended  Divine  Service  in  St.  James'  Church. 
Divine  Service  was  performed  by  the  Reverend  Simon  Wil 
mer,  and  a  Sermon  preached  by  the  Reverend  Doctor  How. 

After  Divine  Service  House  met. 

Josiah  Harrison,  Esq.,  a  lay  delegate  from  New  Jersey, 
appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

On  motion,  Resolved  unanimously, — That  at  the  next 
General  Convention,  and  at  all  future  conventions,  the  ses 
sion  shall  be  opened,  in  addition  to  the  prayers  and  Sermon, 
usual  on  such  occasions,  with  the  celebration  of  the  Lord's 
Supper ;  in  which  resolution  the  house  of  Bishops  concurred. 

The  following  resolution  was  submitted  for  consideration 
by  Mr.  Herbert,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Resolved, — That  the  following  clause  be  added  as  an 
amendment  to  the  9th  Canon: 


408  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1814. 

"  Provided  always,  that  the  Bishop,  with  the  advice  and 
consent  of  two-thirds  of  the  Standing  Committee,  may  dis 
pense  with  the  knowledge  of  the  Latin  and  Greek  Lan 
guages  in  candidates  for  Deacon's  orders." 

The  following  documents  were  laid  before  the  House,  in 
compliance  with  the  45th  Canon: 

From  Massachusetts,  a  certified  copy  from  the  records  of 
the  Church  of  that  State,  up  to  the  year  1813,  inclusive. 

From  Rhode  Island,  a  certified  abstract  of  the  returns 
made  to  the  .convention  of  the  Church  in  that  State. 

From  Connecticut,  a  printed  journal  of  the  proceedings 
of  the  convention  of  that  diocese,  for  the  years  1811,  1812, 
and  1813. 

From  N"ew  York,  printed  journals  from  the  year  1785  to 
the  year  1813,  inclusive. 

From  New  Jersey,  printed  journals  for  the  years  1811, 
1812,  and  1813,  and  a  report  containing  the  substance  of 
the  three  journals. 

From  Pennsylvania,  printed  journals  for  the  years  1811, 
1812,  and  1813. 

From  Maryland,  printed  journals  for  the  years  1811,  1812, 
and  1813. 

From  Virginia,  journals  up  to  the  year  1813,  inclusive. 

From  South  Carolina,  journals  up  to  the  year  1813,  in 
clusive. 

The  following  resolution  was  communicated  by  the  House 
of  Bishops,  as  adopted  by  them,  in  which  they  requested  the 
concurrence  of  this  House: 

Resolved, — That  the  journals  of  the  General  Convention 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America,  from  the  commencement  of  the  said  conventions; 
together  with  an  appendix,  containing  the  Constitution  and 
Canons  of  the  Church,  be  published  under  the  superin 
tendence  of  the  Bishop  of  this  Church  in  Pennsylvania; 
provided  a  number  be  engaged  for,  sufficient  for  the  encour 
agement  of  a  bookseller:  which  resolution  was  read  and 
concurred  in  by  this  House. 

Mr.  Higby  asked  for,  and  obtained,  leave  of  absence  dur 
ing  the  remainder  of  the  session. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  at  10  o'clock. 


1814.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      409 

FRIDAY,  May  20,  1814. 

The  House  attended  Divine  Service  in  St.  James'  Church. 
The  President  performed  Divine  Service,  and  the  Eight 
Reverend  Bishop  Griswold  preached  a  sermon. 

After  Divine  service  the  House  met. 

The  Kev.  Robert  Clay,  a  Clerical  Delegate,  from  the 
State  of  Delaware,  appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

Mr.  Wallace  asked  and  obtained  leave  of  absence  for  Mr. 
Coxe,  during  the  remainder  of  the  session. 

The  following  resolution  was  offered  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Gadsden,  und  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  until  to-morrow. 

Resolved, — That  with  the  consent  of  the  House  of 
Bishops,  a  joint  committee  of  both  houses,  be  appointed  to 
take  into  consideration,  the  institution  of  a  Theological 
Seminary,  and  if  they  should  deem  the  same  expedient,  to 
report  a  plan  for  the  raising  of  funds,  and  generally  for  the 
accomplishment  of  the  object. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  com 
municating  a  declaration  of  that  House,  explanatory  of  the 
19th  Canon,  so  far  as  concerns  the  place  of  officiating  and 
the  dress  of  Lay  Readers  which  was  read  and  returned  to 
said  House. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  com 
municating  a  declaration,  proposed  to  be  made  by  this  Con 
vention,  of  the  identity  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 
in  the  United  States  of  America,  with  the  body  heretofore 
known  by  the  name  of  the  Church  of  England,  and  of  the 
present  entire  independence  of  the  former  of  the  Civil  and 
Ecclesiastical  authority  of  any  foreign  country,  which  decla 
ration  was  concurred  in,  and  returned  to  the  House  of 
Bishops. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  com 
municating  a  Canon,  which  had  been  adopted  by  that  House, 
entitled  "a  Canon,  altering  and  explaining  the  29th  Canon, 
concerning  the  election  and  institution  of  Ministers,"  in 
which  they  requested  the  concurrence  of  this  House;  on 
motion  it  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Mr.  Burns  asked  for,  and  obtained  leave  of  absence,  dur 
ing  the  remainder  of  the  session. 

A  message  was  receiv.ed  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  trans 
mitting  a  proposition  for  directing  the  Bishop,  or  other 


410      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1814. 

Ecclesiastical  authority  in  each  State  or  Diocese,  to  furnish 
themselves  with  a  copy  or  copies  of  the  Book  of  Homilies, 
and  requiring  the  same  to  be  studied  by  candidates,  for  the 
ministry;  which  on  motion  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 
Adjourned,  until  10  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 


SATURDAY,  May  21,  1814. 

The  House  attended  Divine  Service  in  St.  James's  Church. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Wheaton  performed  Divine  Service,  and  the 
Eight  Rev.  Bishop  Dehon  preached  a  sermon. 

After  Divine  Service,  House  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Henshaw  asked  for,  and  obtained  leave  of 
absence,  until  Tuesday  next. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Wilmer  proposed  the  following  resolution : 

Resolved, — That  the  next  Session  of  the  General  Conven 
tion  be  holden  at 

On  motion,  the  said  resolution  was  laid  on  the  table. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  examine  the  Journals  of  the 
different  State  Conventions,  Episcopal  charges,  addresses 
and  pastoral  letters,  and  to  draw  up  a  view  of  the  state  of 
the  Church,  made  report  as  follows : 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  in  compliance 
with  the  requisitions  of  the  45th  Canon,  have  taken  a  gen 
eral  view  of  the  state  of  the  Church,  and  respectfully  offer 
to  the  House  of  Bishops,  the  result  of  their  inquiries.  From 
these  observations,  and  the  accompanying  documents,  it  is 
hoped,  that  the  House  of  Bishops  will  be  able  to  comply 
with  the  requisition  of  the  above  mentioned  Canon,  in  re 
gard  to  a  Pastoral  Letter. 

EASTERN  DIOCESE. 

NEW    HAMPSHIRE. 

The  Church  in  this  State  appears  to  be  stationary;  no 
material  alteration  having  taken  place  for  several  years  past. 
The  Congregations,  though  not  numerous,  are  attached  to 
the  worship  of  the  Church,  and  perform  their  devotional 
exercises  with  order  and  regularity. 


1814.]  JOURNAL  OP  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  411 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

In  this  State,  the  general  appearance  of  the  Church  is 
highly  flattering.  Two  new  church  edifices  have  been  erect 
ed;  new  congregations  have  been  formed;  and  some  of  the 
former  ones  considerably  enlarged.  A  growing  zeal  for  the 
cause  of  religion,  and  an  attachment  to  the  interests  of  the 
Church  are  visible  in  many  parts  of  the  State,  and  promise 
increasing  prosperity.  Though  some  instances  have  occur 
red,  in  which  the  Rubrics  and  Canons  have  not  been  regard 
ed,  it  is  believed  that  such  instances  are  less  frequent  than 
on  former  occasions,  and  that  an  attachment  to  the  pre 
scribed  order  and  worship  of  the  Church,  is  daily  increasing. 

RHODE    ISLAND. 

The  state  of  the  Church  in  this  part  of  the  Eastern 
Diocese,  is  also  flourishing.  The  congregations  are  all, 
except  one,  large  and  prosperous.  Some  have  much  in 
creased,  both  in  the  number  of  families  and  the  number  of 
communicants;  order  and  regularity  generally  prevail,  and 
every  deviation  from  the  established  regulations  of  the 
Church,  meets  with  decided  disapprobation. 

VERMONT. 

The  great  question,  in  regard  to  the  Church  lands  in  this 
State,  yet  remains  undecided.  Consequently,  the  difficulty 
of  providing  support,  for  a  sufficient  number  of  pious  and 
active  Clergymen,  presents  an  insuperable  obstacle,  to  the 
growth  of  the  Church  here.  The  labours,  however,  of  those 
two  or  three  Clergymen,  who  have  officiated  here,  have  in 
general,  been  crowned  with  success,  and  several  congrega 
tions  formed,  which  are  zealous  and  flourishing. 

EASTERN    DIOCESE,    GENERALLY. 

From  the  returns  made  by  the  Bishop  of  the  Eastern 
Diocese,  composed  of  the  above  mentioned  States,  it  appears 
that  there  have  been  since  the  last  General  Convention,  the 
following  ordinations,  viz.:  the  Rev.  Parker  Adams,  Rev. 
Charles  Burroughs,  Rev.  Nathaniel  Huse,  (for  Connecticut.) 
— Priests.  Aaron  Humphrey,  John  Prentice  Kewley  Hen- 
shaw,  Evan  Malbone  Johnson,  (for  Connecticut,)  and  Titus 
Strong,  Deacons. 


412  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1814. 

The  number  of  confirmations,  in  three  years  have  heen 
1504. — The  Rev.  Joab  G.  Cooper,  has  been  instituted  Rec 
tor  of  the  Church  in  Hanover,  and  the  Rev.  Charles  Bur 
roughs,  Rector  of  the  Church  in  Portsmouth,  (N.  H  ) — Six 
persons  have  been  admitted  as  candidates  for  holy  orders. 

CONNECTICUT. 

The  Church  in  this  State  appears  to  be  increasing  in 
numbers,  and  in  vital  religion.  Though  frowned  upon,  in 
the  removal  of  her  venerable  Bishop,  by  death,  yet  the 
Diocese  continues  regular  in  holding  Conventions,  and  in  a 
due  attention  to  the  Canons  of  the  Church.  The  Clergy 
are  zealous  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties.  The  vacancy 
of  the  episcopate  it  is  believed  will  be  filled,  as  soon  as  pro 
vision  is  made  for  its  support.  This  desirable  object  is  in  a 
train  favourable  to  its  accomplishment,  in  the  establishment 
of  a  permanent  fund.  Several  new  church  edifices  have  been 
erected,  since  the  last  General  Convention;  there  is  also,  an 
increased  solicitude,  on  the  part  of  the  Laity,  to  provide 
means  for  the  support  of  the  Clergy,  and  to  have  the  places 
for  public  worship  kept  in  decent  repair. 

The  number  of  confirmations  in  the  last  two  years  of  the 
Bishop's  life  was  464. 

During  the  year  1811,  (since  which  there  appear  no  re 
turns  of  ordination,)  the  Rev.  Samuel  F.  Jarvis  was  ordain 
ed  Priest,  and  Frederick  Holcombe,  Stephen  Jewett,  and 
Orin  Clark,  Deacons. 

NEW  YORK. 

The  congregations  in  this  Diocese,  are  very  numerous  and 
respectable,  and  supplied  with  the  constant,  or  occasional 
services  of  stated  Clergymen,  or  Missionaries. 

The  Parochial  Reports  are  regularly  exhibited.  In  1812, 
the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart  visited  thirty-seven  Congre 
gations,  in  various  parts  of  the  State,  and  administered  the 
rite  of  confirmation  in  twenty-one  congregations  to  500 
persons. 

In  the  year  1813,  thirty-two  congregations  were  visited, 
and  the  rite  of  confirmation  administered  in  sixteen  congre 
gations  to  1100. 

Since  the  last  General  Convention,  in  May,  1811,  and 


1814.].     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      413 

until  the  State  convention  in  October,  1813,  six  persons, — 
John  Brady,  John  M'Vickar,  David  Huntington,  Benjamin 
T.  Onderdonk,  Lewis  P.  Bayard,  (of  New  Jersey,)  and 
James  Thompson,  have  been  admitted  to  the  holy  order  of 
Deacons; — and  thirteen  Deacons,  David  Moore,  Adam 
Empie,  Ralph  Williston,  Wm.  Berrian,  Gilbert  H.  Sayres, 
Wm.  A.  Clark,  John  M'Vickar,  Orin  Clark,  John  Brady, 
Timothy  Clowes,  John  Croes,  (of  N.  J.)  Wm.  Powell,  Isaac 
Jones,  (of  Connecticut,)  Wm.  E.  Wyatt,  and  Stephen  Jew- 
ett  have  been  admitted  to  the  holy  order  of  Priests — Sev 
eral  persons  have  been  admitted  as  candidates,  for  Deacon's 
orders. 

During  the  period  above  mentioned,  the  following  institu 
tions  have  taken  place  :  The  Rev.  Wm.  Berrian,  an  assist 
ant  minister  of  Trinity  Church,  of  New  York,  the  Rev. 
Joseph  Perry,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Ballston  Spa., 
and  St.  James'  Church,  Newton;  the  Rev.  John  Rewley, 
Rector  of  St.  George's  Church,  New  York;  the  Rev.  John 
Brady,  assistant  minister  of  the  same;  the  Rev.  Ralph 
Williston,  Rector  of  Zion  Church,  New  York,  and  Timothy 
Clowes,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Albany. — During 
the  same  period,  the  Rev.  Jonathan  Judd,  and  the  Rev. 
Reuben  Hubbard,  removed  to  the  Diocese  of  Connecticut; 
the  Rev.  Adam  Empie,  to  North  Carolina,  and  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Abraham  Beach,  to  New  Jersey. 

The  following  Churches  have  been  consecrated :  St. 
James'  Church,  Hyde  Park,  Dutchess  County;  St.  James' 
Church,  Milton,  Saratoga  County;  St.  Peter's  Church, 
Auburn,  Cayuga  County;  St.  Luke's  Church,  Richfield, 
Otsego  County;  St.  James'  Church,  Goshen;  Grace  Church, 
Waterford;  and  Christ  Church,  Hampton. 

The  following  missionaries  have  also  been  employed  in 
the  part  of  the  State,  west  of  Albany,  viz.,  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Fuller,  the  Rev.  Wm.  A.  Clark,  the  Rev.  Orin  Clark,  and 
the  Rev.  Davenport  Phelps,  lately  deceased,  who  is  justly 
regarded  as  the  founder  of  the  congregations,  in  the  most 
western  counties  of  the  State,  whom  he  attached,  'not 
merely  to  his  personal  ministrations,  but  to  the  doctrines, 
the  order,  and  the  liturgy  of  our  Church. 

On  the  whole,  there  is  every  reason  to  believe,  that  in 
this  Diocese,  the  Canons  of  the  Church  are  faithfully  ob- 


414  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.          [1814- 

served,  and  the  clergy  regular  and  zealous  in  their  minis 
trations.  And  in  consequence,  under  the  Divine  blessing, 
the  congregations  increase,  not  only  in  numbers,  but  in 
attachment  to  the  principles  of  the  Church,  and  in  the 
spirit  of  Evangelical  piety,  as  exhibited  in  her  Articles  and 
Liturgy. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

From  the  journals  and  reports  of  the  Convention  in  this 
State,  it  appears  that  the  number  of  congregations,  duly 
organized,  is  twenty-seven.  Of  this  number,  only  seven 
enjoy  the  constant  services  of  the  ministry  ;  four  or  five 
others  have  their  churches  regularly,  though  but  a  part  of 
the  time,  opened  on  Sundays,  by  Clergymen.  To  provide 
the  remaining  congregations,  which  are  unable  to  maintain 
Clergymen  for  themselves,  with  the  administration  of  the 
word  and  ordinances,  a  fund  has  been  raised  by  the  Conven 
tion,  which  is  always  in  a  state  of  gradual  augmentation. 
There  are  in  the  Diocese  six  instituted  Rectors  ;  the  whole 
number  of  officiating  ministers,  is  nine. 

An  Episcopal  Society  has  been  recently  established  in 
the  Diocese,  principally  in  the  northern  part,  for  the  purpose 
of  gratuitously  distributing  Bibles,  Prayer  books,  and  re 
ligious  Tracts,  and  if  the  funds  admit  of  it,  giving  aid  to 
young  men  designed  for  the  ministry. 

The  congregations,  belonging  to  this  Convention,  appear 
to  be,  in  general,  strongly  attached  to  the  services  and 
usages  of  the  Church,  and  in  the  management  of  their  af 
fairs,  to  be  actuated  by  a  strict  and  sincere  regard  to  the 
Rubrics  and  Canons.  Since  the  last  General  Convention, 
there  has  been  an  increased  attention  to  the  concerns  of 
religion,  and  the  Church,  which  has  manifested  itself,  par 
ticularly  in  repairing  and  improving  the  places  of  public 
worship  ;  and  it  is  believed,  that  the  number  of  pious 
churchmen  has  been  considerably  enlarged. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

There  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  there  is  an  increased 
attention  to  the  concerns  of  the  Church  in  this  State.  The 
conventions  have  of  late  been  well  attended,  and  the  Clergy 
have  in  a  great  measure  been  punctual  in  presenting  their 


1814.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      415 

parochial  reports  ;  from  these  reports  it  appears  that  the 
number  of  communicants,  in  the  several  congregations 
throughout  the  State,  has  been  considerably  augmented,  par 
ticularly  in  those  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia.  It  is  highly 
gratifying  to  find,  that  since  the  last  General  Convention, 
exertions  have  been  made  for  the  establishment  of  an  Epis 
copal  Fund.  A  society  has  been  formed  for  the  advancement 
of  Christianity,  which  at  present  promises  extensive  useful 
ness  to  the  Church  in  this  State.  "  Most  of  the  vacant 
Churches,"  says  the  Bishop,  in  one  of  his  addresses,  "  have 
been  visited  under  the  directions  of  this  Society,  and  from 
the  satisfaction  given,  we  may  hope  that,  under  the  Divine 
blessing,  there  will  be  an  increasing  usefulness  of  the  insti 
tution."  The  venerable  head  of  this  Diocese,  has  been  ena 
bled  to  visit,  during  the  two  last  years,  some  of  the  country 
congregations ;  the  happy  effects  of  these  visits,  are  forcibly 
illustrated  by  the  fact,  that  in  1811,  he  reported  to  the 
Convention  that,  during  the  past  year,  61  persons  had  been 
confirmed  ;  in  1812,  he  reported  that  306  had  received  tin's 
holy  rite  ;  in  1813,  he  announced  that,  during  the  last  year, 
the  number  amounted  to  581.  These  circumstances  are 
auspicious  ;  it  is  hoped  they  will  be  followed  by  a  rapid 
increase  of  vital  Godliness,  among  all  the  members  of  our 
Apostolic  Church,  it-'  this  quarter, — and  in  general  the  Ru- 
brics  are  duly  observed.  Since  the  last  General  Conven 
tion,  until  the  present  time,  five  persons,  Samuel  Halbert 
Turner,  Jackson  Kemper,  Charles  Blair  Snowden,  (of  South 
Carolina,)  Richard  D.  Hall,  and  Jehu  Curtis  Clay,  have 
been  admitted  to  the  holy  order  of  Deacons  ;  and  seven 
Deacons,  Daniel  Higbee,  (of  New  Jersey,)  John  Barnwell 
Campbell,  (of  South  Carolina,)  Charles  Blair  Snowden,  (of 
South  Carolina,)  William  King,  (of  Virginia,)  Samuel  Hal 
bert  Turner,  (of  Maryland,)  Jackson  Kemper,  and  Richard 
D.  Hall,  have  been  admitted  to  the  holy  order  of  Priests. 

DELAWARE. 

The  condition  of  the  Church  in  this  State,  is  truly  dis 
tressing,  and  the  prospect  gloomy.  Of  the  eleven  congrega 
tions  in  Delaware,  two  are  supplied  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Clay, 
and  one  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Davis,  from  Maryland  ;  it  is, 
however,  gratifying  to  learn,  that  there  is  an  increasing 


416  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1814. 

anxiety  manifested  for  obtaining  Clergymen.  Some  of  the 
vacant  congregations  have  the  service  performed  on  Sundays, 
by  Laymen.  Where  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper 
has  been  administered,  by  visiting  Clergymen,  the  commu 
nicants  have  been  numerous.  Could  the  Church  in  this 
State  be  supplied  with  zealous  and  pious  ministers,  there  is 
every  reason  to  believe  that  their  labours  would  be  crowned 
with  success,  in  advancing  the  interests  of  the  Church,  and 
vital  godliness. 

MARYLAND. 

The  Church  in  Maryland,  still  continues  in  a  state  of  de 
pression  ;  many  parishes  are  without  ministers,  and  a  con 
siderable  number  of  the  chinches  are  in  a  decayed  condition  ; 
the  Clergy  are  so  ill  provided  for,  that,  except  in  Baltimore 
and  Georgetown,  their  livings  are  quite  insufficient  for  the 
support  of  their  families,  and  of  course  they  are  obliged  to 
resort  to  some  other  means.  In  these  cities  the  Clergy  are 
well  supported,  and  the  churches  kept  in  good  repair,  and 
there  appear  to  be  evident  symptoms  of  the  increase  of 
piety  ;  in  some  parts  of  the  State,  by  the  exertions  of  pious 
and  zealous  ministers,  there  seems  to  be  a  revival  of  religion, 
— churches  have  been  repaired,  and  some  built ;  the  pre 
vailing  vices  have  been  checked,  and  greater  attention  to 
Divine  worship  has  appeared  ;  besides  there  is  an  increasing 
disposition  to  relish  the  fine  service  of  our  Church,  and  to 
comply  with  her  ordinances,  so  that  if  it  should  please  God 
to  raise  up  pious,  enlightened,  and  zealous  ministers,  who 
would  continue  to  labour  in  this  part  of  our  Divine  Master's 
vineyard,  the  Church  in  Maryland  might  still  be  raised,  and 
prove  a  nursery  for  good  principles,  enlightened  devotion, 
and  pure  piety.  As  the  charges  and  returns  of  the  Bishop 
are  but  partially  inserted  on  the  journals  of  the  Convention, 
and  as  no  account  of  his  proceedings  during  the  last  year 
has  been  received,  it  is  impossible  to  state  the  number  of 
churches  consecrated,  or  Clergymen  ordained,  since  the  last 
General  Convention. 

VIRGINIA. 

From  a  variety  of  canses,  not  necessary,  and  perhaps  not 
proper  .to  detail  here,  the  Church  in  this  State  has  fallen 


1814.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      417 

into  a  deplorable  condition  ;  in  many  places  her  ministers 
have  thrown  off  their  sacred  profession;  her  Liturgy  is  either 
contemned  or  unknown,  and  her  sanctuaries  are  desolate. 
It  would  rend  any  feeling  heart,  to  see  spacious  temples, 
venerable  even  in  their  dilapidation  and  ruins,  now  the 
habitations  of  the  wild  beasts  of  the  forest. 

But  amidst  this  gloomy  scene,  a  ray  of  light  breaks  in 
upon  the  prospect,  cheering  the  hearts  of  the  friends  of  the 
Church.  Her  members  in  Virginia  have  been  taught,  by  a 
dreadful  experience,  the  value  of  their  peculiar  institutions. 
They  look  back  with  regret,  and  sigh  when  they  talk  of  for 
mer  days,  when  they  were  wont  to  go  with  joy  into  the  courts 
of  Zion ;  they  are  ready  and  desirous  to  return  to  that  fold, 
from  which  they  have  wandered  so  long,  as  sheep  having  no 
shepherd ;  they  anxiously  seek  the  restoration  of  their 
primitive  and  apostolical  form  of  worship,  and  sound  doc 
trine,  and  pray  that  ministers  of  zeal  and  piety  may  come 
and  help  them.  Perhaps  no  place  in  the  United  States 
presents  a  more  extensive  field  for  the  faithful  labourer. — 
Here  are  the  best  of  materials,  and  here  are  the  noblest 
inducements  of  duty,  of  honour,  and  reward. 

The  dispositions  of  the  people,  and  especially  of  some 
eminent  Laymen,  who  have  come  forward  with  interest  and 
zeal,  afford  pleasing  pledges  of  those  good  fruits  which  their 
active  exertions  will  not  fail  to  produce.  A  magnificent 
Church  has  sprung  up  in  Richmond,  from  the  ashes  of  the 
theatre  ;  it  has  the  patronage  and  support  of  men  of  the 
greatest  talents,  and  highest  rank  in  Virginia.  They  have 
chosen,  as  their  pastor,  the  Rev  R.  C.  Moore,  D.  D.,  who  is 
now  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  and  under  whose  auspices 
there  is  reason  to  hope  for  the  most  favourable  results. 

The  corner  stone  of  a  large  and  respectable  church  has 
been  laid  in  Fredericksburg,  on  the  site  of  the  old  building, 
which  has  gone  to  decay.  For  Leesburgh  also,  they  have 
obtained  a  subscription,  adequate  to  the  expense  of  erecting 
a  respectable  church  ;  and  in  the  counties  of  Frederick  and 
Spottsylvania,  and  perhaps  in  other  places,  from  which  re 
ports  have  not  been  received,  the  state  of  the  Church  is 
improving.  In  Alexandria,  there  are  two  large  and  respect 
able  congregations.  From  the  present  excitement,  which  is 
manifest  throughout  the  State,  nothing  more  seems  wanting, 


418  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1814. 

under  the  blessing  of  God,  than  faithful  ministers,  to  realize 
the  hopes  which  are  entertained  of  the  future  prosperity  of 
this  important  part  of  our  Zion.  Let  all  who  wish  her  well, 
pray  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  to  send  forth  labourers  into 
His  harvest. 

SOUTH    CAROLINA. 

There  is  cause  of  rejoicing  to  the  friends  of  the  Church  in 
this  Diocese.  There  is  an  evident  revival  of  religion,  and  a 
visible  growth  in  piety.  From  various  causes,  not  necessary, 
and  perhaps  not  expedient  to  state,  the  Church  in  this 
State  had  sunk  very  low ;  but,  through  the  blessing  of  the 
Almighty  on  the  zealous  exertions  of  the  visible  head  of  it, 
much  has  been  done  for  its  good,  and  more  is  to  be  confi 
dently  expected. 

The  various  parishes  are  making  exertions  to  provide  for 
their  ministers,  and  to  re-establish  Divine  Service  in  the 
vacant  churches.  A  resolution  has  also  been  entered  into 
by  the  Clergy  to  supply  the  services  and  ordinances  of  the 
Church,  as  often  as  possible,  to  the  vacant  parishes.  It 
appears  from  the  Bishop's  address,  in  1812,  that  two  new 
Episcopal  congregations  were  collected  and  organized ;  one 
at  Columbia,  the  seat  of  government,  and  one  at  Camden ; 
and  that,  for  the  former,  a  Lay  reader  was-provided  by  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Society  for  the  advancement  of  Chris 
tianity  in  South  Carolina.  It  appears  also,  from  the  same 
address,  that  Dr.  Frederick  Dalcho,  of  Charleston,  had  been 
received  as  a  candidate  for  holy  orders,  and  the  Rev.  Chris 
tian  Hankie,  formerly  of  Burlington,  New  Jersey,  had  been 
admitted  to  the  order  of  Deacon. 

In  the  year  1813 — 14  Episcopal  visitations  were  made, 
and  516  persons  confirmed.  Two  candidates  for  holy  orders, 
viz.  Maurice  Harvey  Lance  and  Albert  Muller,  were  re 
ceived,  and  Dr.  Frederick  Dalcho  was  admitted  to  the  order 
of  Deacons.  The  Parish  of  St.  George  Winyaw  was  de 
prived  by  death  of  its  Rector,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hailing. 

The  state  of  the  Church,  in  this  Diocese,  will  appear 
from  the  following  extract  from  the  last  address  of  the 
Bishop.  "In  the  view,"  says  he,  "which  I  am  required,  by 
a  useful  Canon  of  the  Church,  to  give  you  of  the  affaire  of 
the  Diocese,  since  the  last  meeting  of  the  Convention,  it 


1814.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      419 

will  fall  within  the  scope  of  the  regulation,  to  congratulate 
you  on  the  degree  of  concord  and  Christian  fellowship  with 
which  our  Churches  are  blessed.  It  is  hardly  possible,  that 
in  any  society,  composed  of  many  parts,  and  all  the  parts 
of 'frail  and  fallible  beings,  there  should  exist  such  an  entire 
unity  of  opinion  and  community  of  feelings,  as  to  produce 
always  a  perfectly  harmonious  co-operation  towards  an  ac 
complishment  of  the  same  ends ;  as  near  an  approach  to  this 
happy  state,  as  is  compatible  with  the  condition  and  infirmi 
ties  of  man,  is,  through  the  good  blessing  of  God,  at  present 
enjoyed  by  us,  in  this  Diocese.  In  a  degree,  which  is  grati 
fying  to  me  to  remark,  as  it  has  doubtless  been  pleasing  to 
you  to  notice,  the  Clergy  of  the  Diocese  are  kindly  affec- 
tioned,  one  to  another,  with  brotherly  love  ;  and  their  re 
spective  parishes  being  knit  together,  and  compacted  by 
that  which  every  joint  supplieth,  are,  it  is  humbly  hoped, 
making  some  increase  of  the  body,  to  the  edifying  of  itself 
in  love.  Thus  far  there  is  unity,  and  all  will  ever  be  con 
cerned  for  the  interests  and  feelings  of  all,  if  we  be  actuated 
by  the  genuine  spirit  of  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ." 

It  ought  to  be  mentioned,  that  in  South  Carolina  a 
Society  has  been  instituted  for  the  advancement  of  Chris 
tianity,  which  has  met  with  great  success,  and  been  instru 
mental  in  establishing  two  Churches  in  a  section  ot  the 
country  where  our  worship  was  never  before  held.  This 
Society,  by  distributing  books,  illustrative  of  the  distinctive 
principles  of  our  Church,  and  by  assisting  a  young  man 
of  genius  and  piety,  a  candidate  for  the  ministry,  has  done 
much  to  advance  the  interests  of  our  religion,  and  of  our 
excellent  Church. 

It  is  also  to  be  stated,  that  the  Rubrics  and  Canon  •  are 
here  conscientiously  and  strictly  observed. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  in  laying  the 
preceding  statement  before  the  venerable  House  of  Bishops, 
pray  for  themselves  and  the  Church,  their  counsel,  and  the 
blessing  of  Almighty  God. 

Signed,  by  order  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu 
ties, 

JOHN  CROES,  PRESIDENT. 


420  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1814. 

May  21,  1814. 

The  said  report  having  been  read  and  considered,  was 
adopted,  directed  to  be  signed  by  the  President,  and  sent  to 
the  House  of  Bishops,  which  things  were  accordingly  done. 

A  Message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  com 
municating  a  Canon  adopted  by  them,  entitled  "A  Canon 
concerning  the  alms  and  contributions,  at  the  Holy  Com 
munion,"  in  which  they  requested  the  concurrence  of  this 
house.  The  said  Canon  was  considered,  concurred  in  by 
the  house,  and  returned  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

A  communication  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops, 
on  the  subject  of  devising  means,  for  supplying  the  congre 
gations  of  this  Church,  west  of  the  Alleghany  mountains; 
and  respecting  a  correspondence  with  the  venerable  Society 
in  England,  for  propagating  the  gospel  in  foreign  parts,  on 
the  subject  of  certain  lands,  to  which  the  Church  has  a 
claim,  in  the  State  of  Vermont;  which  commuication  was 
read,  and  returned  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  agreeably  to 
their  request,  to  be  entered  upon  their  journals. 

The  Canon  sent  yesterday  from  the  House  of  Bishops, 
altering  and  explaining  the  29th  Canon,  concerning  the 
election,  and  institution  of  ministers,  was  taken  up  for  con 
sideration,  concurred  in,  and  sent  back  to  that  house. 

The  proposition  sent  yesterday,  from  the  House  of 
Bishops,  respecting  the  Book  of  Homilies,  was  taken  up  for 
consideration,  concurred  in,  and  returned  to  that  house. 

A  resolution  was  adopted,  and  sent  to  the  House  of 
Bishops,  for  their  concurrence,  respecting  the  preparation, 
and  transmission  of  reports  from  the  State  Conventions  to 
the  General  Convention. 

A  Message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  com 
municating  a  proposition,  submitted  to  them,  for  the  publi 
cation  of  certain  Anthems,  with  their  determination  there 
on;  and  also  a  general  resolution  adopted  by  them,  with 
respect  to  the  recommendation  of  proposed  publications, 
which,  after  being  read,  were  returned  to  the  House  of 
Bishops,  with  the  respectful  thanks  of  this  house,  for  the 
judicious  course  adopted  by  them,  in  reference  to  these 
subjects. 

A  resolution,  respecting  the  posture  of  minister  and  peo 
ple,  during  the  singing  of  the  metre  psalms  and  hymns,  was 


1814.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      421 

received  from  the  House  of  Bishops;  which  after  having 
been  read  was  postponed  until  Monday  next. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Stone,  Eaton,  and  Morss,  Mr.  Harrison, 
and  Dr.  Onderdonk,  asked  and  obtained  leave  of  absence, 
during  the  remainder  of  the  session. 

Adjourned. 


MONDAY,  May  23,  1814. 

House  attended  Divine  Service  in  St.  James's  Church. 
Divine  Service  was  performed  by  the  Rev.  A.  Baldwin,  Sec 
retary  of  this  house,  and  a  sermon  preached  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Croes,  President  of  the  same. 

After  Divine  Service,  house  met. 

The  recommendation  of  the  House  of  Bishops,  relative 
to  the  posture  of  ministers  and  people,  during  the  singing 
of  the  metre,  psalms  and  hymns,  was  taken  up  for  consider 
ation,  approved  of,  and  agreeably  to  request,  returned  to 
that  house,  to  be  entered  on  their  journal. 

Mr.  Gadsden's  resolution,  respecting  a  Theological  Sem 
inary,  was  taken  up  for  consideration,  and  after  some 
debate,  it  was  moved  and  seconded,  to  postpone  the  further 
consideration  of  the  same.  The  votes  being  required,  to  be 
taken  by  States,  the  ayes  and  noes  on  the  question  of  post 
ponement,  were  as  follows : 

Massachusetts — Clergy,  No;  Laity, . 

Connecticut — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  No. 

Rhode  Island — Clergy,  No;  Laity,  No. 

New  York — Clergy,  No;  Laity,  No. 

New  Jersey — Clergy,  No;  Laity,  No. 

Pennsylvania — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  Aye. 

Delaware — Clergy,  No;  Laity, . 

Maryland — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  divided. 

Virginia — Clergy,  No;  Laity,  No. 

South  Carolina — Clergy,  No;  Laity, 


And  so  the  motion  for  postponement  was  negatived. 

The  question  on  the  resolution  recurring,  the  vote  thereon 
was  required  to  be  taken  by  States,  and  the  ayes  and  the 
noes  were  as  follow  : 

Massachusetts— Clergy,  Aye;  Laity, . 


422  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1814. 

Connecticut — Clergy,  No;  Laity,  No. 

Rhode  Island — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  Aye. 

New  York — Clergy,  No;  Laity,  No. 

New  Jersey — Clergy,  No;  Laity,  Aye. 

Pennsylvania — Clergy,  No;  Laity,  No. 

Delaware — Clergy,  No;  Laity,  . 

Maryland — Clergy,  No;  Laity,  divided. 

Virginia — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  Aye. 

South  Carolina — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity, . 

And  so  the  resolution  was  negatived. 

The  House  of  Bishops  communicated  a  written  opinion, 
explanatory  of  the  9th  and  40th  Canons,  which  was  con 
sidered,  approved  of,  and  returned  to  that  house. 

The  following  resolution  was  proposed  and  adopted. 

Resolved, — That  a  committee  of  two  persons  be  appoint 
ed  to  confer  with  the  House  of  Bishops,  on  the  expediency 
of  securing  to  the  General  Convention,  the  right  of  the 
Book  of  Common  Prayer,  and  to  report  to  the  house. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Wilmer,  and  the  Rev.  Doctor  How,  were 
appointed  a  committee,  on  the  part  of  this  house,  for  the 
purpose  expressed  in  the  foregoing  resolution. 

Mr.  Warren  asked,  and  obtained  leave  of  absence. 

The  following  resolution  was  proposed  and  adopted. 

Whereas,  the  mode  heretofore  adopted,  for  making  known 
the  Constitution  and  Canons  of  the  Church,  has  fallen  short 
of  that  desirable  end,  and  in  order  that  the  interest  of  the 
Church  may  be  advanced  by  a  more  general  knowledge  of 
the  said  Constitution  and  Canons,  and  also  that  the  pro 
ceedings  of  the  General  Convention  may  be  promulgated, 
to  the  members  of  the  Church  at  large;  Resolved  that  it  be 
recommended  to  the  ecclesiastical  authorities  in  the  several 
Dioceses,  to  cause  the  same  to  be  made  known  in  the  con 
gregations  respectively  within  their  bounds,  by  such  meas 
ures  as  may  be  deemed  expedient,  and  accommodated  to 
local  circumstances. 

The  said  resolution  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  for 
their  concurrence,  and  was  concurred  in  by  them. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  that  the  thanks  of  this  Convention 
be  presented  to  the  Bishops,  who  have  preached  before  the 
Convention,  during  the  present  Session,  and  that  they  be 
requested  to  furnish  copies  of  their  sermons,  for  publication. 


1814.]    JOURNAL  OP  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       423 

The  said  resolution  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  for 
their  concurrence,  and  the  said  House  concurred  in  the 
same,  with  an  amendment,  inserting  the  words  "and  the 
President  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies," 
which  amendment  was  agreed  to  by  this  house.  Dr.  Kemp 
and  Mr.  Herbert  were  appointed  on  the  part  of  this  house, 
to  carry  the  same  into  effect. 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  the  House  of 
Bishops,  upon  the  expediency  of  securing  to  the  General 
Convention,  a  copy  right  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer, 
reported  that  they  had  performed  that  duty;  that  the 
House  of  Bishops  return  for  answer,  that  they  will  appoint 
a  committee  to  confer  with  the  committee  of  this  house,  and 
report  at  a  convenient  season. 

Mr.  Wilmer's  resolution,  as  to  the  place  of  meeting  of 
the  next  General  Convention  was  taken  up,  and  the  blank 
left  therein  filled  with  the  word  "  New  York." 

The  vote  having  been  required  to  be  taken  by  States,  the 
ayes  and  noes  thereon,  were  as  follow : 

Vermont — Clergy,  No;  Laity, 


Massachusetts — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  — — . 

Connecticut — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  Aye. 

Rhode  Island — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  Aye. 

New  York — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  Aye. 

Pennsylvania — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  No. 

Delaware — Clergy,  No;  Laity, . 

Maryland — Clergy,  No;  Laity,  No. 

Virginia — Clergy,  No;  Laity, . 

South  Carolina — Clergy,  No;  Laity, .. 

The  House  of  Bishops  informed  this  house,  that  they 
had  appointed  the  Right  Rev.  Bishops  White  and  Hobarf, 
a  committee  on  their  part,  on  the  subject  of  a  copy  right, 
for  the  book  of  Common  Prayer. 

The  following  Message  was  received  from  the  House  of 
Bishops,  together  with  a  pastoral  letter,  prepared  by  said 
house. 

The  House  of  Bishops,  having  examined  and  considered 
the  report  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  pre 
sented  agreeably  to  the. provisions  of  the  45th  Canon,  trans 
mit  to  them  agreeably  to  the  same  Canon,  a  pastoral  letter, 
founded  on  the  report.  The  House  of  Bishops,  reciprocat- 


424      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1814. 

ing  the  affectionate  sentiments  of  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  accompanying  their  report,  request  their 
aid  in  all  proper  measures  of  the  Episcopacy,  for  the  ex 
tending  of  the  influence  of  religion,  and  the  increase  of  the 
Church;  imploring  the  Divine  blessing  on  them  individually, 
and  on  the  Churches  which  they  respectively  represent. 

The  resolution  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  on  the  sub 
ject  of  the  preparation,  and  transmission  of  report*,  from 
each  State  Convention,  on  the  state  of  the  Church,  was 
returned  with  an  amendment,  in  which  this  houst.'  concurred. 
The  resolution,  as  amended  and  finally  agreed  to,  is  as  fol 
lows  : 

Resolved, — That  it  be  recommended,  that  the  ecclesiastical 
authority  of  the  Church  in  every  State  or  diocese,  prepare 
a  report  on  the  state  of  the  Church,  in  their  State  or  dio 
cese,  previously  to  the  meeting  of  every  General  Conven 
tion,  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  the  Committee  on  the  State 
of  the  Church,  appointed  by  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  in  drafting  their  report. 

The  committee  appointed  on  the  part  of  this  house,  to 
return  the  thanks  of  the  convention  to  the  Bishops,  and 
the  President  of  this  house,  for  the  sermons  preached  by 
them  respectively,  and  to  request  copies  for  publication, 
reported,  that  they  had  performed  that  service,  and  that 
the  Reverend  gentlemen  would  comply  with  the  request  of 
the  convention. 

Adjourned. 


TUESDAY,  May  24,  1814. 

The  house  attended  Divine  Service  in  St.  James's  Church, 
which  was  performed  by  the  Rev.  W.  A.  Wilmer. 

After  Divine  Service,  house  met. 

The  pastoral  letter  of  the  House  of  Bishops,  transmitted 
to  this  house  yesterday,  was  read,  and  then  returned  to  the 
House  of  Bishops. 

The  joint  committee  of  the  two  houses,  on  the  question 
of  P  copy  right  for  the  book  of  Common  Prayer,  report  as 
follows.  That  they. are  informed  on  credible  authority,  that 
the  same  object  was  contemplated  in  the  year  1789,  on  the 


1814.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      425 

editing  of  the  book,  as  it  is  now  established  by  the  authority 
of  this  Church,  but  was  relinquished,  in  consequence  of 
perceiving  that  complaints  were  likely  to  arise  from  the  ap 
prehension  that  the  price  would  be  thereby  enhanced.  The 
objection  was,  that  an  appropriation  of  the  proceeds,  to  a  pur 
pose  both  religious  and  charitable,  would  not  reconcile  the 
members  of  this  Church  to  a  tax,  which,  it  was  alledged 
was  thus  imposed;  the  book  being  of  a  character  which  it 
was  a  duty  to  possess.  Whether  the  objection  may  not  be 
guarded  against  by  a  contract,  in  which  the  prices  of  books 
should  be  fixed  agreeably  to  their  different  sizes;  and 
whether  in  this  case,  there  ought  to  be  regarded  the  com 
plaints,  which  would  still  be  made  of  an  alledged  unreason 
ableness  of  price,  the  committee  submit  to  the  considera 
tion  of  the  Convention.  The  committee  are  not  sufficiently 
informed  of  the  operation  of  law,  on  the  present  subject,  so 
as  to  judge  of  the  practicability  of  the  measure  proposed; 
nor  have  they  had  either  time,  or  the  authority  of  the  con 
vention,  to  take  advice  thereon, — but,  they  propose  that 
law  advice  should  be  taken,  before  further  progress.  Fur 
ther,  it  has  not  occurred  to  the  committee,  how  the  copy 
ris;ht  may  be  so  contrived,  as  to  be  made  consistent  with 
the  8th  article  of  the  Ecclesiastical  Constitution.  That  some 
alteration  must  be  made  in  the  present  book,  to  bring  it 
under  the  exclusive  claim  of  a  copy  right,  is  evident.  If 
the  alteration  should  affect  the  book,  as  described  by  its 
known  name,  the  difficulty  here  noticed  must  present  itself. 
But  if  the  alteration  should  be  made  in  any  of  the  instru 
ments  of  this  Church,  which  are  usually  bound  up  with  the 
Book  of  Common  Prayer,  it  would  seem  that  the  latter 
might  be  still  published,  without  legal  interference.  On 
the  ground  of  the  premises,  the  joint  committee  propose  to 
the  two  houses  as  follows  : 

Resolved, — That  it  be  referred  to  the  Bishops  to  consider 
of  the  propriety  of  granting  a  copy-right  in  the  Book  of 
Common  Prayer;  to  inquire  in  their  respective  dioceses, 
and  elsewhere,  as  circumstances  may  permit,  whether  the 
said  measure  can  be  adopted,  consistently  with  law,  and  the 
approbation  of  the  Conventions  in  the  different  dioceses, 
and  to  report  to  the  next  General  Convention. 

The  foregoing  report  having  been  adopted  in  the  House 


426      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1814. 

of  Bishops,  on  motion,  this  house  concurred  in  the  adoption 
of  the  same. 

The  following  resolution  was  proposed  and  adopted. 

Resolved, — That  this  Convention  contemplate  with  much 
pleasure  the  rise  and  progress  of  institutions  for  the  ad 
vancement  of  Christianity,  in  several  of  the  dioceses  in  the 
United  States,  and  that  they  recommend  such  institutions 
to  the  patronage  of  all  the  friends  of  our  Church. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops  com 
municating  a  resolution  which  originated  in,  and  had  been 
adopted  by  that  house,  on  the  subject  of  a  Theological  Sem 
inary;  in  which  this  house  concurred. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Wilmer,  and  Mr.  Maguire  asked  for  and 
obtained  leave  of  absence. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops  com 
municating  a  Canon  which  had  passsd  that  house,  entitled 
"A  Canon  repealing  a  part  of  the  45th  Canon  of  1808," 
which  was  concurred  in  by  this  house. 

A  resolution  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops  for 
the  addition  of  a  second  appendix  to  the  volume  of  Jour 
nals  proposed  to  be  reprinted;  said  second  appendix,  to 
contain  the  pastoral  letters  of  the  House  of  Bishops  for  the 
two  last  and  the  present  Conventions,  which  resolution  was 
concurred  in  by  this  house. 

On  motion,  Re§olved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be 
presented  to  the  President,  Secretary  and  assistant  Secre 
tary,  for  the  services  rendered  by  them  respectively  during 
the  present  session. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  House  of  Bishops  be 
requested  to  appoint  one  of  their  own  order  to  preach  a 
sermon  at  the  opening  of  the  next  General  Convention. 

The  foregoing  resolution  having  been  communicated  to 
the  House  of  Bishops,  a  message  was  returned  from  that 
house,  informing  of  their  concurrence  in  the  same,  and  stat 
ing  their  hope,  that  it  may  be  consistent  with  the  state  of 
health  of  their  brother  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Clagget 
to  be  present  and  to  pre.ach;  and  in  case  of  his  absence  their 
resolution  that  the  next  Bishop  in  seniority,  who  may  n  >t 
already  have  preached  at  the  opening  of  a  convention,  bo 
requested  to  perform  the  duty. 

The  Rev.    Doctor   Abercrombie,  Mr.  M'Euen,  and    Mr. 


1814.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      427 

Milnor  the  assistant  Secretary,  were  appointed  a  committee 
to  superintend  the  publication  of  the  Journal  of  the  pro 
ceedings  of  this  house  at  the  present  Convention. 

In  pursuance  of  a  request  from  this  house,  the  Eight 
Reverend  members  of  the  House  of  Bishops  attended  in 
the  same,  for  the  purpose  of  closing  the  Session  of  the  Con 
vention  by  solemn  prayer,  which  was  performed  by  the 
Eight  Eeverend  Doctor  White,  presiding  Bishop :  after 
which 

Adjourned  sine  die. 


JOURNAL 


OP   THE 


Ij[onsF  of  P 


CITY  OF  PHILADELPHIA,  Tuesday,  May  17th,  1814. 

IT  5  tf  being  the  day  appointed  by  the  Constitution 
Ml»§  °f  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
^United  States  of  America,  for  the  meeting  of  the 
General  Convention  of  said  Church  ;  and  agreeably 
to  a  resolve  of  the  last  General  Convention  of  the  Church 
in  the  city  of  N  ew  Haven,  the  city  of  Philadelphia  being 
appointed  the  place  of  meeting,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
White,  of  Pennsylvania,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart 
of  New  York,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Griswold,  of  the 
Eastern  Diocese,  and  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Dehon,  of 
South  Carolina,  met  in  the  vestry-room  of  St.  James's 
Church  at  12  o'clock  in  the  aforesaid  city.  It  appeared  that 
Bishop  Clagget,  who  was  to  have  opened  the  Convention 
with  a  sermon,  was  prevented  from  attending  by  indis 
position. 

The  House,  having  chosen  the  Rev.  Jackson  Kemper  to 
act  as  Secretary,  adjourned  to  meet  at  5  o'clock,  P.  M. 

5  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  House  received  a  communication  from  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kemp,  inform 
ing  them  that  they  were  organized,  and  ready  to  proceed  to 
business.  Dr.  Kemp  was  desired  to  inform  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  that  the  House  of  Bishops  was 
also  ready. 

The  House  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

428 


1814.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      429 

WEDNESDAY,  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Met  according  to  adjournment.     Present  as  yesterday. 

This  House  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  the  testimonials  required  by  the  Canons,  from  the 
Convention  of  the  Church  in  Virginia,  and  from  the  said 
House,  in  favour  of  the  Eev.  Kichard  Channing  Moore, 
D.  D.,  as  Bishop  elect  for  the  diocese  of  Virginia  ;  where 
upon  this  House  approved  the  said  testimonials  and  resolved 
to  proceed  to  the  consecration. 

At  10  o'clock  the  House  attended  Divine  Service.  Morn 
ing  prayers  were  read  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  How,  and  a  sermon, 
on  the  occasion  of  the  opening  of  the  Convention,  was 
preached  by  Bishop  Hobart ;  after  which,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Moore  was  consecrated  Bishop  ;  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
White,  as  presiding  Bishop,  performing  the  office  of  conse 
cration,  assisted  by  the  Bishops  present. 

Divine  Service  being  ended,  the  House  returned  to  the 
vestry-room,  when  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  took  his 
seat  in  the  House. 

A  message  was  received,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton,  from 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  informing,  that 
a  resolution  had  passed  that  House,  "  that  the  thanks  of 
the  Convention  be  presented  to  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Ho 
bart,  for  his  sermon  preached  before  them  this  morning, 
and  that  he  be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy  for  publication." 

This  House  concurred  in  the  said  resolution,  and  the 
Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart  consented  to  comply  with  their 
request. 

The  following  resolution  was  proposed  :  That  the  Jour 
nals  of  the  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  from  the  com 
mencement  of  the  paid  Conventions,  together  with  an  ap 
pendix,  containing  the  Constitution  and  the  Canons  of  the 
Church,  be  published  under  the  superintendence  of  the 
Bishop  of  this  Church  in  Pennsylvania;  provided  a  number 
be  engaged  for,  sufficient  for  the  encouragement  of  a  book 
seller.  If  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  should 
concur  in  this  resolve,  the  design  will  be  forwarded  by  a 
knowledge  of  the  number  of  copies  which  could  be  engaged 
for  in  the  respective  States. 

The  above  resolution  was  adopted,  and  ordered  to  be  sent 


430       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1814. 

to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  for  their  con 
currence. 

On  motion,  The  House  agreed  to  attend  Divine  Service 
every  morning  in  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  House  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


THURSDAY  MORNING,  May  19th,  1814. 

The  House  met  after  having  attended  Divine  Service,  in 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies.  Present,  Bishop 
White,  Bishop  Hobart,  Bishop  Griswold,  Bishop  Dehon, 
Bishop  Moore. 

The  House  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  by  Joshua  Wallace,  Esq.,  a  resolution  relative  to 
the  administering  of  the  Lord's  Supper  at  the  opening  of 
the  General  Convention  ;  in  which  resolution,  the  House 
of  Bishops  concurred. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  by  their  Secretary,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Baldwin, 
informing  this  House  that  they  agreed  with  them  in  the 
resolution  concerning  the  publishing  of  the  Journals  of  the 
General  Conventions. 

Adjourned  to  meet  to-morrow  at  10,  A.  M. 


FRIDAY  MORNING,  May  20th,  1814. 

The  following  declaration  was  proposed  and  agreed  to. 

It  having  come  to  the  knowledge  of  this  House,  that 
some  doubts  have  arisen  in  certain  districts,  in  reference  to 
the  sense  of  some  of  the  provisions  of  the  19th  Canon;  they 
hold  it  expedient  to  make  the  following  declaration,  to  re 
cord  it  on  their  minutes,  and  to  communicate  it  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

So  far  as  concerns  regulations,  in  reference  to  the  place 
of  officiating,  and  to  ministerial  dress,  the  Bishops  suppose 
that  the  prohibitions  of  the  Canon,  were  grounded  merely 
on  the  propriety  of  guarding  against  popular  mistakes ; 


1814.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      431 

which,  might  otherwise,  rank  among  the  number  of  the  cler 
gy  a  person  not  ordained.  Accordingly  they  conceive,  that 
the  design  of  the  Canon  reaches  every  circumstance  of  po 
sition  and  of  dress,  which  the  custom  of  the  Church  and  the 
habits  of  social  life  may  render  liable  to  misconception  in 
the  premises.  On  this  ground,  the  House  of  Bishops  con 
sider  it  as  contrary  to  the  design  of  the  Canon  for  candi 
dates  to  read  sermons  from  the  places  usually  considered  as 
appropriated  to  ordained  ministers,  or  to  appear  in  bands, 
or  gowns,  or  surplices. 

The  Secretary  communicated  the  above  declaration  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  following  declaration  was  proposed  and  agreed  to  : 

It  having  been  credibly  stated  to  the  House  of  Bishops, 
that  on  questions,  in  reference  to  property  devised  before 
the  revolution  to  congregations  belonging  to  "  the  Church 
of  England,"  arid  to  uses  connected  with  that  name,  some 
doubts  have  been  entertained  in  regard  to  the  imlentity  of 
the  body  to  which  the  two  names  have  been  applied,  the 
House  think  it  expedient  to  make  the  declaration,  and  to 
request  the  concurrence  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  therein — that  "  The  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  United  States  of  America"  is  the  same  body  hereto 
fore  known  in  these  States,  by  the  name  of  "  The  Church 
of  England  ;"  the  change  of  name,  although  not  of  religious 
principle  in  doctrine,  or  in  worship,  or  in  discipline,  being 
induced  by  a  characteristic  of  the  Church  of  England,  sup 
posing  the  independence  of  the  Christian  Churches,  under 
the  different  sovereignties,  to  which,  respectively,  their  al 
legiance  in  civil  concerns  belongs.  But  that  when  the  sev 
erance  alluded  to  took  place,  and  ever  since,  this  Church 
conceives  of  herself,  as  professing  and  acting  on  the  princi 
ples  of  the  Church  of  England,  is  evident  from  the  organiza 
tion  of  our  Conventions,  and  from  their  subsequent  proceed 
ings,  as  recorded  on  the  Journals  ;  to  which,  accordingly, 
this  Convention  refer  for  satisfaction  in  the  premises.  But 
it  would  be  contrary  to  fact,  were  any  one  to  infer,  that  the 
discipline  exercised  in  this  Church,  or  that  any  proceedings 
therein,  are  at  all  dependent  on  the  will  of  the  civil  or  of 
the  ecclesiastical  authority  of  any  foreign  country. 

The  above  declaration  having  been  communicated  to  the 


432  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1814. 

House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  they  returned  for  an 
swer  that  they  concurred  therein. 

A  Canon,  altering  and  explaining  the  29th  Canon,  con 
cerning  the  election  and  institution  of  ministers,  was  pro 
posed  and  agreed  to,  and  sent  to  the  other  House  for  their 
concurrence. 

The  following  Resolution,  concerning  the  Book  of  Homil 
ies,  was  proposed  and  adopted,  and  sent  to  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Dej  Duties  for  their  concurrence. 

The  House  of  Bishops,  taking  into  consideration,  that 
the  two  Books  of  Homilies  are  referred  to  in  the  35th  Arti 
cle  of  this  Church,  as  containing  a  body  of  sound  Christian 
doctrine  ;  and  knowing,  by  their  respective  experience,  the 
scarcity  of  the  volume,  rendering  it  difficult  for  some  candi 
dates  in  the  ministry  to  possess  opportunities  of  studying 
its  contents,  propose  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Dep 
uties,  to  make  it  a  standing  instruction  to  every  Bishop,  and 
to  the  Ecclesiastical  authority  in  every  State  destitute  of  a 
Bishop,  to  be  furnished  (as  soon  as  may  be)  with  a  copy  or 
copies  of  said  work,  and  to  require  it  to  be  studied  by  all 
candidates  for  the  ministry  within  their  respective  bounds  : 
under  the  expectation,  that  when  offering  for  ordination,  the 
knowledge  ot  its  contents  will  be  indispensably  required. 

A  Canon,  concerning  the  alms  and  contributions  at  the 
Holy  Communion,  was  proposed  and  adopted. 

Adjourned  to  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  10  o'clock. 


SATURDAY  MORNING,  May  21st,  1814. 

The  Canon,  concerning  the  alms  and  contributions  at  the 
Holy  Communion,  was  taken  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Secretary,  for  their  concurrence. 

A  communication  was  made  to  this  House  by  the  Presi 
dent,  respecting  two  matters  committed  to  him  by  the  last 
triennial  Convention. 

Whereupon,  Resolved,  That  information  of  the  same  be 
transmitted  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  ;  to 
be  returned  to  this  House  and  entered  on  their  Journal. 
The  communication  is  as  follows  : 

The  President  requests  the   attention  of  the  House,  to 


1814.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      433 

those  passages  in  the  Journal  of  1811,  where  it  appears, 
that  there  were  laid  on  him  two  acts  of  duty,  which  conse 
quent  circumstances  have  prevented  from  being  carried  into 
effect. 

The  President,  and  the  Bishop  of  this  Church  in  Virginia, 
were  requested  "  to  devise  means  for  supplying  the  congre 
gations  of  this  Church,  west  of  the  Alleghany  mountains, 
with  the  ministration  and  worship  of  the  same,  and  for  or 
ganizing  the  Church  in  the  Western  States."  In  conse 
quence  of  this  request,  the  President  had  hegun  a  correspon 
dence  with  Bishop  Madison  ;  but  all  further  progress  was 
arrested  by  the  decease  of  the, said  Right  Rev.  Brother. 
This  did  not  hinder  the  President  from  submitting  to  the 
Convention  of  this  Church,  in  Pennsylvania,  a  proposal 
which  was  complied  with,  designed  so  far  to  meet  the  de 
sires  of  some  members  of  this  Church,  in  the  Western  Coun 
try,  as  that  in  the  event  of  the  settlement  of  a  Bishop 
therein,  the  congregations  in  the  Western  counties  of  the 
State  might  be  under  his  superintendence ;  on  such  a  plan 
as  would  not  affect  the  integrity  of  the  Church,  in  the  State 
of  Pennsylvania,  as  a  component  member  of  the  body  of 
this  Church  throughout  our  union,  in  contrariety  to  the 
constitution. 

The  President  was  further  requested  to  address  a  letter 
in  behalf  of  the  Convention  to  the  venerable  Society  in 
England  for  propagating  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts,  in 
reference  to  certain  lands  held  by  them  in  the  State  of  Ver 
mont,  and  intended  in  the  original  grant  for  the  benefit  of 
the  Episcopal  Church  therein.  It  was  necessary  to  the 
execution  of  this  commission,  that  the  President  should 
have  been  furnished  with  certain  documents.  These  were 
delayed  by  some  circumstances  not  under  his  control,  until 
the  occurrence  of  the  present  war ;  which  rendered  a  cor 
respondence  in  the  premises  improper. 

The  above  information  was  carried  to  the  House  of  Cleri 
cal  and  Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Secretary. 

The  following  recommendation  was  proposed  and  adopted. 

The  House  of  Bishops  propose  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies  the  following  recommendation,  to  be 
considered  of  by  the  House,  and  if  agreeable,  to  be  returned 
to  this  House  and  entered  on  their  Journal. 


434      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1814. 

Whereas,  a  diversity  of  custom  has  of  late  years  prevailed 
in  the  posture  of  ministers  and  of  the  people,  during  the  act 
of  singing  the  psalms  and  the  hymns  yi  metre ;  the  former 
practice  of  sitting  during  this  part  of  the  service  gradually 
giving  way  to  the  more  comely  posture  of  standing ;  it  is 
hereby  recommended  by  this  Convention,  that  it  be  con 
sidered  as  the  duty  of  the  ministers  of  this  Church,  to 
encourage  the  use  of  the  latter  posture,  and  to  induce  the 
members  of  their  congregations,  as  circumstances  may  per 
mit,  to  do  the  same;  allowance  to  be  made  for  cases  in 
which  it  may  be  considered  inconvenient  by  age,  or  by  in 
firmity.  Practice  under  this  recommendation  is  to  begin 
from  the  time  when  suitable  information  shall  have  been 
given  by  the  Clergy  to  their  respective  flocks.  And  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  every  minister  to  give  notice  of  this  recom 
mendation  to  his  congregation  at  such  time  as  in  his  discre 
tion  may  be  the  most  proper. 

The  carrying  into  effect  of  the  contemplated  change,  may 
he  delayed  by  the  Bishop  of  any  Diocese,  or,  where  there  is 
no  Bishop,  by  the  Ecclesiastical  Authority  therein,  until 
there  shall  have  been  time  and  opportunity  of  explaining 
satisfactorily  the  grounds  of  the  measure. 

This  recommendation  was  taken  by  the  Secretary  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  following  proposition  was  submitted  and  agreed  to, 
and  communicated  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu 
ties. 

The  House  of  Bishops  communicate  to  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  the  following  resolve,  and  the 
following  rule  of  the  House  of  Bishops3  to  be  entered  on 
their  Journal  after  being  returned  by  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies. 

There  was  laid  before  the  House  an  address  from  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  Smith,  of  Connecticut,  together  with  sundry 
anthems  selected  from  Holy  Scripture,  and  adapted  to 
certain  Fasts  and  Feasts  of  the  Church.  The  object  of  the 
address  is  to  induce  the  establishment  of  the  said  anthems, 
as  parts  of  the  Liturgy. 

Whereupon,  Resolved,  That  it  is  not  expedient,  during 
this  Convention,  to  go  into  a  review,  either  in  whole  or  in 
part,  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer.  It  could  not,  how- 


1814.]     JOURNAL  OP  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      435 

ever,  but  give  satisfaction  to  the  Bishops  to  recollect,  that 
anthems  taken  from  Scripture,  and  judiciously  arranged, 
may,  according  to  the  known  allowance  of  this  Church,  be 
sung  in  congregations  at  the  discretion  of  their  respective 
ministers.  On  this  occasion,  a  question  arose,  how  far  it 
may  be  proper  at  any  meeting  of  the  Convention,  to  give 
their  sanction,  or  that  of  this  House  in  particular,  to  any 
work,  however  tending  to  religious  instruction,  or  to  the 
excitement  of  pious  affections.  In  reference  to  this  subject, 
it  is  the  unanimous  opinion  of  the  Bishops  present,  that  no 
such  sanction  should  be  given.  And  it  is  hereby  made  a 
rule  of  the  House,  that  if  any  application  should  be  made, 
tending  to  such  effect,  it  shall  not  be  considered  as  regularly 
brought  before  them. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  communicating  their  concurrence  in  the 
Canon  concerning  the  alms  and  contributions  at  the  Holy 
Communion.  ^ 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  informing,  that  they  agreed  to  the  Canon 
concerning  the  election  and  institution  of  ministers,  and  to 
the  resolution  concerning  the  Book  of  Homilies. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  returned  to  the 
House  of  Bishops  their  communication  concerning  anthems, 
with  the  thanks  of  said  House  for  the  course  adopted  by 
the  House  of  Bishops.  They  likewise  returned  the  commu 
nication  respecting  a  Bishop  for  the  Western  Country,  and 
the  correspondence  which  the  President  of  this  House  was 
requested  to  hold  with  the  venerable  Society  in  England  for 
propagating  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts,  relative  to  lands  in 
Vermont. 

A  resolve  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  concerning  the  appointment  of  a  committee 
in  each  Diocese,  to  prepare  a  report  on  the  state  of  the 
Church  in  that  State  or  Diocese,  previous  to  the  meetings 
of  the  General  Convention. 

The  above  resolution  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

A  report  on  the  state  of  the  Church,  signed  by  the  Presi 
dent  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  agreeably 
to  the  45th  Canon,  was  received  from  said  house. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  9  o'clock  Monday  morning. 


436  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1814. 

MONDAY  MORNING,  May  23d,  1814. 

Present  as  usual. 

The  Resolution  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu 
ties  concerning  the  preparation  of  a  report  on  the  state  of 
the  Church,  was  agreed  to  with  an  amendment,  which  was 
sent  to  said  house  for  their  concurrence. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  returned  the 
recommendation  concerning  posture  during  the  singing  of 
the  metre  psalms,  with  their  concurrence. 

The  following  message  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  House  of  Bishops  transmit  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies  the  following  opinions,  the  result  of  at 
tention  to  an  application  of  the  Clerical  deputies  from  Con 
necticut.  It  approved  of,  it  will  be  entered  on  the  Journal 
of  the  former  House. 

The  Clerical  Deputies  from  the  diocese  of  Connecticut, 
by  direction  of  the  Convention  of  the  same,  requested  the 
opinions  of  the  Bishops  present,  on  the  meaning  of  two 
passages  of  the  Canons  :  1st,  Of  this  phrase  in  the  9th 
Canon — "  In  consideration  of  certain  other  qualifications  of 
the  candidates  ;"  and  2ndly,  Of  this  phrase  in  the  40th 
Canon — "  or  by  some  other  joint  act  of  the  parties,  and  of 
a  minister  of  this  Church." 

In  explanation  of  the  former  phrase,  the  Bishops  are  of 
opinion,  that  if  a  candidate  should  possess  extraordinary 
strength  of  natural  understanding,  a  considerable  extent  of 
theological  erudition,  although  not  derived  through  the 
medium  of  the  original  languages  of  Scripture,  a  peculiar 
aptitude  to  preach,  and  a  large  share  of  prudence  ;  those 
qualifications  may  be  a  ground  of  the  dispensation  here 
referred  to. 

In  reference  to  the  phrase  in  the  40th  Canon,  it  would 
perhaps  be  difficult  to  define  the  various  ways  in  which  the 
consent  spoken  of  may  be  satisfactorily  evidenced.  But  the 
Bishops  are  of  opinion,  that  any  person  duly  baptized  in 
any  religious  society  extraneous  to  this  communion,  joining 
himself  to  any  congregation  of  this  communion,  and  possess 
ing  an  interest  in  its  concerns,  in  consequence  of  express  or 
implied  permission,  may  be  properly  entered  by  the  minis 
ter,  on  the  list  of  the  names  of  persons  under  his  parochial 


1814.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       437 

care.  But  the  Bishops  do  not  consider  themselves  as  now 
called  on  to  consider,  whether  it  may  not  be  expedient  to 
make  provision  for  a  more  definite  mode,  for  the  receiving 
into  this  Church  of  persons  not  baptized  within  its  pale, 
but  joining  it  on  conviction  and  with  fair  characters. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  by  their  Secretary,  signifying  the  concurrence 
of  that  House  with  the  proposed  amendment  to  the  resolu 
tion  concerning  the  preparation  of  a  report  on  the  state  of 
the  Church ;  and  their  approbation  of  the  opinions  with 
respect  to  the  9th  and  40th  Canons. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  Honse  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  requesting  the  concurrence  of  this  House  in 
a  resolution  respecting  the  securing  of  a  copyright  of  the 
Book  of  Common  Prayer. 

This  House  appointed  Bishops  White  and  Hobart  a  com 
mittee  to  consult  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  How,  and  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Wm.  Wilmer,  a  committee  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  upon  the  above-mentioned  subject. 

The  report  on  the  state  of  the  Church  transmitted  to  this 
House  by  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  was  read 
by  the  Secretary. 

A  pastoral  letter  was  proposed  and  adopted,  and  sent  to 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  requesting  the  concurrence  of  this  House  in 
a  resolution  concerning  the  making  better  known  the  Con 
stitution,  Canons,  &c.  of  the  Church. 

Dr.  Kemp  and  Mr.  Herbert  were  the  bearers  of  a  resolve 
from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  concerning 
the  publication  of  the  sermons  delivered  by  the  Bishops 
before  the  Convention,  which  resolve,  after  being  so  amend 
ed  by  the  House  of  Bishops  as  to  include  the  sermon 
preached  by  the  President  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and. 
Lay  Deputies,  was  agreed  to  by  this  house. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  concurred  in  the 
amendment. 

Adjourned  to  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  9  o'clock. 


438       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1814. 

TUESDAY  MORNING,  May  24th,  1814. 

This  house  attended  Divine  Service  as  usual  in  the  House 
of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  joint  committee  of  the  two  houses  on  securing  the 
copyright  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  reported  ;  which 
report  was  adopted  by  both  houses. 

Resolved, — That  to  the  volume  of  Journals  already  di 
rected  to  be  reprinted,  there  be  added  a  second  appendix 
containing  the  two  pastoral  letters  read  in  the  last  two  pre 
ceding  Conventions,  and  the  pastoral  letters  read  in  this 
Convention. 

This  resolution  was  taken  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  and  returned  with  their  concurrence. 

Resolved, — That  it  be  referred  to  the  Bishops;  and,  in 
those  Dioceses  in  which  there  are  no  Bishops,  to  the  Stand 
ing  Committees  therein,  to  inquire  in  the  respective  Dio 
ceses  or  States,  and  to  consider  for  themselves,  concerning 
the  expediency  of  establishing  a  Theological  Seminary,  to 
be  conducted  under  the  general  authority  of  this  Church; 
and  to  report  to  the  next  General  Convention. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  concurred  in  the 
above  resolution. 

The  resolution  concerning  the  making  known  the  Consti 
tution,  Canons,  &c.  was  considered,  agreed  to,  and  sent 
back  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  a  resolution  respecting  institutions  for  the  ad 
vancement  of  Christianity,  in  which  they  concurred. 

This  house  agreed  with  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  in  appointing  the  next  General  Convention  to  be 
held  at  New  York. 

Information  having  been  received  from  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  that  they  had  appointed  a  com 
mittee  of  their  house  to  superintend  the  publication  of  the 
Journal,  &c.  Bishop  White  was  requested  to  act  as  a  com 
mittee  on  the  part  of  this  house.N 

This  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  a  resolve,  requesting  the  House  of  Bishops  to 
appoint  one  of  their  own  order  to  preach  a  sermon  at  the 
opening  of  the  next  General  Convention. 

A  Canon,  repealing  part  of  the  45th  Canon  of  1808,  was 


1814.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      439 

adopted  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu 
ties,  in  which  they  concurred. 

This  House  returned  for  answer  to  the  resolve  of  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  requesting  the  House 
of  Bishops  to  appoint  one  of  their  own  order  to  preach  a 
sermon  at  the  opening  of  the  next  General  Convention. 

"The  Bishops  concur  in  the  above  resolve;  hoping  that  it 
may  be  consistent  with  the  state  of  health  of  their  brother 
the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Clagget  to  be  present,  and  to  preach; 
and  in  the  case  of  his  absence,  resolving,  that  the  next 
Bishop  in  seniority,  who  may  not  already  have  preached 
at  the  opening  of  a  Convention,  be  requested  to  perform 
the  duty." 

The  House  of  Bishops  being  ready  to  adjourn,  and  hav 
ing  received  information  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  that  they  were  also  ready,  the  business  ot  the 
Convention  was  concluded  with  solemn  prayer  by  the  pre 
siding  Bishop. 

Signed,  by  order  of  the  House  of  Bishops, 

WILLIAM  WHITE, 

PRESIDING  BISHOP. 

Attested:  JACKSON  KEMPER,  Secretary. 


440      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1814. 


(Jfinons. 


CANON — Concerning  the   alms   and   contributions   at    the 
Holy  Communion. 

Whereas,  it  appears,  that  no  direction  has  been  made,  as  to  the  mode  in 
which  the  alms  and  contributions  at  the  administration  of  the  Holy  Com 
munion  are  to  be  applied,  it  is  hereby  declared,  that  they  shall  be  depos 
ited  with  the  minister  of  the  parish,  or  with  such  Church  officer  as  shall 
be  appointed  by  him,  to  be  applied  by  the  minister  or  under  his  superin 
tendence,  to  such  pious  and  charitable  uses  as  shall  be  thought  fit. 
HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS  ADOPTED  May  20th,  1814. 

JACKSON  KEMPER,  SECEETABT. 

ADOPTED  IN  HOUSE  OF  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES,  May  21st,  1814. 

ASHBEL  BALDWIN,  SECRETARY. 

CANON — Altering  and  explaining  the  29th  Canon,  concern 
ing  the  election  and  institution  of  ministers. 

So  much  of  the  29th  Canon  of  1808,  as  requires  the  institution  of  an 
assistant  minister  in  order  to  his  being  considered  as  a  regularly  admitted 
and  settled  parochial  minister  in  any  Dipcese  or  State,  and  his  having  a 
voice  in  the  choice  of  a  Bishop,  in  consequence  of  his  not  having  been 
instituted,  and  as  excludes  a  Deacon  from  a  seat  and  vote  in  any  *  onven- 
tion  where  he  is  not  excluded  by  the  constitution  and  Canons  of  the 
Church  in  any  Diocese,  is  hereby  repealed.  It  is  also  declared,  in  explana 
tion  of  the  said  Canon,  that  the  provision  concerning  the  use  of  the  office 
of  institution,  is  not  to  be  considered  as  applying  to  any  congregation 
destitute  of  a  house  of  worship. 

HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS,  ADOPTED  May  20th  1814. 

JACKSON  KEMPER,  SECRETARY. 

ADOPTED  IN  HOUSE  OF  CLEEICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES,  May  21st,  1814. 

ASHBEL  BALDWIN,  SECRETARY. 

CANON — Kepealing  part  of  the  45th  Canon  of  1808. 

That  part  of  the  45th  Canon  of  1808  which  requires  that  the  parochial 
reports  inserted  on  the  Journals  of  each  State  or  Diocesan  Convention, 
shall  be  read  in  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  in  General  Con 
vention,  is  hereby  repealed. 

HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS,  ADOPTED  May  24th,  1814. 

JACKSON  KEMPER,  SECRETARY. 

ADOPTED  IN  HOUSE  OF  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES,  May  24th,  1814. 

ASHBEL  BALDWIN,  SECRETARY. 


ist  of  fljp 


OF   THE 


'PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH 

In  the  United  States. 


EASTERN  DIOCESE. 

Composed  of  the  States  of  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  New  Hampshire, 

and  Vermont. 

The  Right  Rev.  Alexander  Viets  Griswold,  Bishop. 
NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

The  Rev.  Charles  Burroughs,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Portsmouth. 

The  Rev.  John  H.  Fowle,  Rector  of Church,  Holderness. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  Rector  of  Union  Church,  Claremont. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Catlin,  officiates  at  Plainfield. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Mead. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  Rev.  John  Sylvester  J.  Gardiner,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Boston. 

The  Rev.  Asa  Eaton,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Boston,  of  St.  Mary's,  New 
ton,  and  of  Christ  Church,  Cambridge. 

The  Rev.  John  P.  K.  Henshaw,  Deacon,  officiates  at  Marblehead. 

The  Rev.  William  Montague,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Dedham. 

The  Rev.  James  Morss,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Newburyport. 

The  Rev.  Amos  Purdy,  Rector  of  St.  Luke's  Church,  Lanesborough. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Griswold,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  Great  Barring- 
ton,  and  the  Church  at  Lenox. 

The  Rev.  Joel  G.  Cooper,  Rector  of  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Hanover,  and 
officiates  also  at  Marshfield,  and  Quincy. 

The  Rev.  Aaron  Humphrey,  Deacon,  officiates  in  St.  Ann's  Church,  Gardi 
ner. 

The  Rev.  Titus  Strong,  Deacon,  officiates  at  Greenfield. 

441 


442  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1814. 

RHODE-ISLAND. 

The  Right  Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Michael's 

Church,  Bristol. 

The  Rev.  Nathan  B.  Crocker,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Providence. 
The  Kev.  Salmon  Wheaton,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Newport. 
The  Rev.  James  Bowers,  officiates  in  Narragansett. 

VERMONT. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Manchester  and  Arlington. 
CONNECTICUT. 

The  Rev.  Richard  Mansfield,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Derby,  and 

the  Church  in  Great  Hill. 

The  Rev.  John  Tyler,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Norwich. 
The  Rev.  Daniel  Fogg,  Rector  of  the  Church,  Pomfret. 
The  Rev.  Philo  Shelton,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Fairfield,  St.  John's, 

Stratfield,  and  the  Church  in  Weston. 
The  Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Stratford,  and  Trinity 

Church,  Trumhull. 
The  Rev.  Tillotson  Brownson,  D.D.,  Principal  of  the  Episcopal  Academy, 

Cheshire. 

The  Rev.  William  Smith,  D.D.,  residing  at  Norwalk. 
The  Rev.  Chauncy  Prindle,  Rector  of  the  Churches  of  Oxford  and  Salem. 
The  Rev.  Reuben  Ives,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Cheshire,  and  officiat 
ing  in  the  Churches  in  Hamden,  Wallingsford,  Southington  and 

Meriden. 

The  Rev.  Truman  Marsh,  Rector  of  the  Associated  Churches  in  Litchfield. 
The  Rev.  Daniel  Burhans,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Newtown. 
The  Rev.  Solomon  Blakesly,  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Church,  East  Haddam. 
The  Rev.  Charles  Seabury,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  New  London. 
The  Rev.  Smith  Miles,  Rector  of  the  Churches  of  Chatham  and  Glasten- 

bury. 

The  Rev.  Philander  Chase,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Hartford. 
The  Rev.  Menzies  Rayner,  Rector  of  the  Churches  in  Huntington. 
The  Rev.  Calvin  White,  Assistant  Minister  of  the  Church  in  Derby. 
The  Rev.  Bethel  Judd,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Norwalk,   and  the 

Church  at  Wilton. 
The  Rev.  Henry  Whitlock,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New  Haven,  and  St. 

Matthew's,  Bristol. 

The  RPV.  Roger  Searle,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Plymouth. 
The  Rev.  Virgil  H.  Barber,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Waterbury. 
The  Rev.  Asa  Cornwall.  Assistant  in  the  Episcopal  Academy,  Cheshire. 
The  Rev.  Jonathan    Judd,  minister  of   the   Churches  in   Stamford  and 

Horsneck. 
The  Rev.  Elijah  G.  Plnmb.  Minister  of  the   Churches  in  Branford,  East 

Haven,  North  Branford  and  Northford. 
The  Rev.  Benjamin  Benham,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  New  Milford, 

and  the  Churches  of  Bridgewater  and  Brookfield. 
The  Rev.  David  Baldwin,    Rector  of  the  Churches  of  Guilford,   North 

Guilfbrd  and  North  Bristol. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  D.  Wilton,  Minister  of  the   Churches    in   Woodbury, 

Roxbury  and  Kent 


1814.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      443 

The  Rev.  Isaac  Jones,  Assistant  Minister  in  the  Churches,  Litchfield. 
Ti'ie  Rev.  Sturges  Gilbert,  Minister  in  the  Churches  of  Kent  and  Sharon. 
Thi-;  Rev.  Nathaniel  Huss,  Minister  of  the  Church  at  East  Windsor. 
The  Rev.  Frederick  Holcomb,  Minister  of  the  Churches  in  Harwingtou 

and  Northfield. 
The  Rev.  Birdsley  G.  Nobles,  Deacon,  officiating  at  Christ  Church,  Mid- 

dletown. 

The  Rev.  Nathan  B.  Burgis,  residing  at  Milford. 
The  Rev.  Jasper  D.  Jones,  residing  at  Simsbury. 

NEW  YORK. 

The  Right  Rev.  Samuel  Provoost,  D.  D. 

The  Right  Rev.  Benjamin  Moore,  D.  D.,  Bishop  and  Rector  of  Trinity 
Church,  New  York. 

The  Right  Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart,  D.D  ,  Assistant  Bishop,  and  assist 
ant  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York. 

The  Rev.  Parker  Adams,  Trinity  Church,  Lansingburgh,  Rensselaer 
County,  and  Grace  Church,  Waterford,  Saratoga  County. 

The  Rev.  Amos  G.  Baldwin,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  (Jtica,  Oneida 
County. 

The  Rev.  Virgil  H.  Barber,  principal  of  the  academy,  and  minister  of 
Trinity  Church,  Fairfield,  Herkimer  County. 

The  Rev.  Theodosius  Barlow,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New  Rochelle, 
Westchester  County. 

The  Rev.  Edmund  D.  Barry,  Principal  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Acad 
emy,  New  York ;  and  officiating  at  St.  Matthew's  Church,  City  of 
Jersey. 

The  Rev.  William  Berrian,  an  Assiitant  Minister  of  Trinity  Church,  New 
York. 

The  Rev.  John  Bowden,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Rhetoric  and  moral  Philosophy, 
in  Columbia  College,  New  York. 

The  Rev.  Nathaniel  Bowen,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Grace  Church,  New  York. 

The  Rev.  John  Brady,  Assistant  Minister  of  St.  George's  Church,  New 
York. 

The  Rev.  David  Butler,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Troy,  Rensselaer 
County. 

The  Rev.  Barzillai  Bulkley,  Rector  of  St.  George's  Church,  Flushing, 
Long  Island. 

The  Rev.  William  A.  Clark,  Missionary,  Onondaga  County,  and  parts 
adjacent. 

The  Rev.  Orin  Clark,  Trinity  Church,  Geneva,  Ontario  County. 

The  Rev.  Timothy  Clowes,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Albany. 

The  Rev.  Elias  Cooper,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Yonkers,  Westches 
ter  County. 

The  Rev.  Harry  Croswell,  Deacon,  Christ  Church,  Columbia  County. 

The  Rev.  Adam  Empie,  West  Point. 

The  Rev.  Henry  J.  Feitus,  Rector  of  St.  Ann's  Church,  Brooklyn,  Long 
Island. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Fuller,  Missionary,  Albany  and  Green  Counties. 

The  Rev.  N.  Feltch,  residing  in  West  Chester  County. 

The  Rev.  William  Hammel,  residing  in  New  York. 

The  Rev.  William  Harris,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Mark's  Church,  New  York, 
and  President  of  Columbia  College,  New  York. 


444  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1814. 

The  Rev.  William  Hart,  Rector  of  St.  George's  Church,  Hempstead,  and 

Christ  Church,  North  Hempstead,  Long  Island. 
The  Rev.  Samuel    Haskill,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Rye,  Westchester 

County. 
The  Rev.  Thomas  Y.  How,  D.D.,  an  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  Church, 

New  York. 

The  Rev.  David  Huntington,  Deacon,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Charlton,  Sara 
toga  County. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  F.  Jarvis,  St  Michael's  Church,  Bloomingdale,  and  St. 

James',  Hamilton  Square,  New  York. 

The  Rev.  Stephen  Jewett,  Christ  Church,  Hampton,  Washington  County. 
The  Rev.  Cave  Jones,  residing  in  the  City  of  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Evan  Malbone  Johnson,  Deacon,  Grace  Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  John  Kewley,  Rector  of  St.  George's  Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  William  B.  Lacey,  Deacon,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Paris,  Oneida 

County. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Lyell,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Daniel  M'Donald,  St.  Peter's  Church,  Auburn,  ( 'ayuga  County. 
The  Rev.  John  M'Vickar,  St.  James'  Church,  Hyde  Park,  Dutchess  County. 
The  Rev.  David  Moore,  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Staten  Island. 
The  Rev.  Henry  Moscrop,  residing  in  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Daniel  Nash,  Rector  of  the  Churches  in  Otsego  County. 
The  Rev.  Benjamin  T.  Onderdonk,  Deacon,  an  Assistant  Minister  of  Trin 
ity  Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Perry,  Rector  of  St.  James"  Church,  Milton,  and  Christ 

Church,  Ballston,  Saratoga  County. 
The  Rev.   Joseph   Prentice,   Rector  of    Trinity  Church,   Athens,    Green 

County. 
The  Rev.    William   Powel,    St.   Andrew's  Church,   Coldenham,   and  St. 

James'  Church,  Goshen,  Orange  County. 
The  Rev.  John  Reed,  Rector  of  Christ  Church.   Poughkeepsie,  Dutchess 

County. 

The  Rev.  Gilbert  H.  Sayres,  Grace  Church,  Jamaica,  Long  Island. 
The  Rev.  Cyrus  Stebbins,  Rector  of  St.  George's  Church,  Schenectady. 
The  Rev.  James  Thompson,    Deacon,  Missionary,   Greene  and   Delaware 

Counties. 

The  Rev.  Frederick  Vanhorne,  residing  in  Coldenham. 
The  Rev.  Alanson  W.  Welton,  Deacon,  Missionary,  Ontario  and  adjacent 

Counties. 
The  Rev.   Russel  Wheeler,  Missionary,  Harmony  Church,  Butternuts,  St. 

Matthew's  Church,  Unadilla,  Otsego  County,  and  parts  adjacent. 
The  Rev.  Eli  Wheeler,  Deacon,  Hempstead. 
The  Rev.  Isaac  Wilkins,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  West  Chester, 

and  St.  Paul's  Church,  East  Chester. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Willard,  residing  in  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Ralph  Williston,  Rector  of  Zion  Church,  New  York. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Beach,  D.D.,  residing  near  New  Brunswick. 
The  Rev.  Charles  H.  Wharton,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Mary's  Church,  Bur 
lington. 

The  Rev.  John  Croes,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  New  Brunswick. 
The  Rev.  John  C.  Rudd  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Elizabeth  Town. 


1814.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      445 

The  Rev.  Simon  Wilmer,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Swedesborough. 
The  Rev.  James  Chapman,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Perth  Amboy. 
The  Rev.  John  Croes,  jun.,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Shrewsbury. 
The  Rev.  Daniel  Higbee,  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Mount  Holly. 
The  Rev.  Lewis  P.  Bayard,  Deacon,  Trinity  Church,  Newark. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  William  White,  D.  D.,  Bishop,  and  Rector  of  Christ  Church, 

iSt.  Peter's  Church,  and  St.  James'  Church,  Philadelphia. 
The  Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.  D.,  residing  in  Philadelphia. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Hutchins,  D.  D.,  residing  in  Philadelphia. 
The  Rev.   James  Abercrombie,  D.  D.,  senior  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ 

Church,  St.  Peter's,  and  St.  John's,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Pilmore,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Philadelphia. 
The  Rev.  Frederick  Beasley,  D.  D.,  Provost  of  the  University  of  Pennsyl 
vania. 

The  Rev.  William  Ayres,  residing  in  Philadelphia. 
The  Rev.  John  Campbell,  Rector  of  Carlisle. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Turner,  Rector  of  St.  Martin's,  Marcus  Hook. 
The  Rev.  Slator  Clay,  Rector  of  St.  James',  Perkiomen,  St.  Peter's,  Great 

Valley,  and  St.  Thomas',  Whitemarsh. 
The  Rev    Joseph  Clarkson,   Rector  of  St.  James',  Lancaster,  St.  John's, 

Pequea,  and  Bangor  Church,  Carnarvon. 
The  Rev.  James  Wiltbank,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Oxford,  and  All 

»      Saints,  Lower  Dublin. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Ayres,  residing  in  Brownsville. 

Thd  Rev.  Francis  Reno,  officiating  in  the  Counties  of  Beaver  and  Allegany. 
The  Rev.  Caleb  Hopkins,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Derry  township;  St. 

Paul's,  Bloom   township ;    and   Christ  Church,  Turbit  Township, 

Northumberland  County. 
The  Rev.  Absalom  Jones  (a  colored  man),  Rector  of  the  African  Church 

of   St.  Thomas,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  John  Taylor,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Pittsburgh. 
The  R«v.  Levi   Bull,  Rector  of  (St.   Gabriel's,   Berk's  County,   and  St. 

Mary's,  Chester  County. 

The  Rev.  John  Armstrong,  Rector  of  St.  John's,  Yorktown. 
The  Rev.    Jackson    Kernper,    Assistant  Minister  of    Christ   Church,   St. 

Peter's  and  St.  James's,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Richard  D.  Hall,  Rector  of  St.  James  the  Greatest,  Bristol. 
The  Rev.  Jehu  Curtis  Clay,  Deacon,  officiating  at  St.  David's,  Radnor. 

DELAWARE. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Clay,  Rector  of  Emanuel's  Church,  New  Castle. 
The  Rev.  William  Pryce,  Rector  of  St.  James',  Newport. 

MARYLAND. 

The  Right  Rev.  Thomas  John  Claggett,  D.  D.,  Bishop. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  James  Kemp,  first  Rector,  St.  Paul's,  Baltimore. 

The  Rev.  William  C.  Wyatt,  second  Rector,  St.  Paul's,  Baltimore. 

The  Rev.  Galen  Hicks,  Rector  of  Trinity,  Baltimore. 

The  Rev.  George  Dashiell,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's,  Baltimore. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Benj,  Coutee,  Rector  of  William  and  Mary  Charles  County. 


446      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1814. 

The  Rev.  John  Weems,  Rector  of  Port  Tobacco  Parish,  Charles  County. 
The  Rev.  Noble  Young,  Rector  of  Durham. 

The  Rev.  William  Gibson,  Rector  of  Queen  Ann's,  Prince  George's  County. 
The  Rev.  William  Ninde,  Rector  of  St.  Ann's  Parish,  Annapolis. 
The  Rev.  Purnell  F.  Smith,  Rector  of  St.  James'  Parish,  Prince  George  Co. 
The  Rev.  George  Lemmon,  Rector  of  Queen  Caroline,  Prince  George  Co. 
The  Rev.  Walter  D.  Addison,  Rector  of  St.  John's,  Territory  of  Columbia. 
The  Rev.  Andrew  M'Cormick,   Rector  of  Washington,  Territory  of   Co 
lumbia. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Read,  Rector  of  Prince  George's,  Montgomery  County. 
The  Rev.  John  Chandler,  Rector  of  St.  Mark's,  Montgomery  County. 
The  Rev.  Thomas  P.  Irving,  Rector  of  St.  John's,  Montgomery  County. 
The  Rev.  John  Allen,  Rector  of  St.  George's,  Harford  County. 
The  Rev.  Heniy  L.  Davis,  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's,  Cecil  County. 
The  Rev.  William  Duke,  residing  in  Elkton. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  H.  Turner,  Rector  of  Chester  Parish,  Kent  County. 
The  Rev.  Daniel  Stephens.  Rector  of  St.  Paul's,  Queen  Anne's  County. 
The  Rev.  Thomas  Bayne,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's,  Talbot  County. 
The  Rev.  William  Stone,  Rector  of  Stepney  Parish,  Somerset  County. 
The  Rev.  James  Laird,  Rector  of  Somerset  Parish,  Somerset  County. 

VIRGINIA. 
No  list  of  the  Clergy  in  this  State  was  furnished  to  the  Convention. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA.  ^ 

The  Right  Rev.  Theodore  Dehon,  D.  D.,  Bishop. 

The  Rev.   John   Barnwell  Campbell,    Rector   of    St.   Helena's    Church, 

Beaufort. 

The  Rev.  Frederick  Dalcho,  Deacon,  officiating  in  St.  Paul's,  Stono. 
The  Rev.  Andrew  Fowler,  Rector  of  the  Church  on  Edisto  Island. 
The  Rev.  Hugh  Fraser,  Rector  of  All  Saints. 
The  Rev.  Christopher  Edward  Gadsden,  Assistant  Minister  of  St.  Philip's 

Church,  Charleston. 

The  Rev.  Christian  Hankel,  Deacon,  officiating  in  St.  Luke's  Parish. 
The  Rev.  Philip  Matthews,  Rector  of  the  Church,  on  St.  Helena's  Island. 
The  Rev.  Thomas  Mills,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Andrews  Parish. 
The  Rev.  William  Percy,  D.  D.,   Rector  of  the  third   Episcopal  Church, 

Charleston. 

The  Rev.  James  Dewar  Simons,  Rector  of  St.  Philip's  Church,  Charleston. 
The  Rev  Charles  Blair  Snowden,  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's. 
The  Rev.  John  Jacob  Tschudy,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Parish,  Berkeley. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Weaver,  Rector  of  St.  Thomas  and  St.  Dennis. 

CLERGYMEN   NOT   HAVING  CUBES. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Gates,  D.  D. 
The  Rev.  Milward  Pogson. 
The  Rev.  Paul  Feropier  Gervais. 
The  Rev.  James  O'Farrell. 

CERTIFICATE   OF   BISHOP   MOORE'S   CONSECRATION. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we,  William  White,  D.  D.,  Bishop 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  iu  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  presid- 


1814.] 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      447 


ing  Bishop,  John  Henry  Hobart,  D.  D.,  Assistant  Bishop  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  New  York,  Alexander  Viets  Griawold, 
D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Eastern  Diocese, 
and  Theodore  Dehon,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  State  of  South  Carolina,  under  the  protection  of  Almighty  God.  in  St. 
James'  Church,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  on  Wednesday,  the  eighteenth 
day  of  May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lora  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
fourteen,  did  then  and  there  rightly  and  canonically  consecrate  our  be 
loved  in  Christ,  Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Stephen'* 
Church  in  the  city  of  New  York,  of  whose  sufficiency  in  good  learning, 
soundness  in  the  faith,  and  purity  of  manners  we  were  fully  ascertained, 
into  the  office  of  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Stite 
of  Virginia,  to  which  he  hath  been  elected  by  the  Convention  of  said  State. 

Given  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  this  eighteenth  day  of  May,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fourteen. 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  (L.  S.) 

JOHN  HENRY  HOBART,  (L.  S.) 
ALEXANDER  V.  GRISWOLD,  (L.  S.) 
THEODORE  DEHON,  (L.  S.) 


432      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1814. 

House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  they  returned  for  an 
swer  that  they  concurred  therein. 

A  Canon,  altering  and  explaining  the  29th  Canon,  con 
cerning  the  election  and  institution  of  ministers,  was  pro 
posed  and  agreed  to,  and  sent  to  the  other  House  for  their 
concurrence. 

The  following  Kesulution,  concerning  the  Book  of  Homil 
ies,  was  proposed  and  adopted,  and  sent  to  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  for  their  concurrence. 

The  House  of  Bishops,  taking  into  consideration,  that 
the  two  Books  of  Homilies  are  referred  to  in  the  35th  Arti 
cle  of  this  Church,  as  containing  a  body  of  sound  Christian 
doctrine  ;  and  knowing,  by  their  respective  experience,  the 
scarcity  of  the  volume,  rendering  it  difficult  for  some 'candi 
dates  in  the  ministry  to  possess  opportunities  of  studying 
its  contents,  propose  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Dep 
uties,  to  make  it  a  standing  instruction  to  every  Bishop,  and 
to  the  Ecclesiastical  authority  in  every  State  destitute  of  a 
Bishop,  to  be  furnished  (as  soon  as  may  be)  with  a  copy  or 
copies  of  said  work,  and  to  require  it  to  be  studied  by  all 
candidates  for  the  ministry  within  their  respective  bounds  : 
under  the  expectation,  that  when  offering  for  ordination,  the 
knowledge  of  its  contents  will  be  indispensably  required. 

A  Canon,  concerning  the  alms  and  contributions  at  the 
Holy  Communion,  was  proposed  and  adopted. 

Adjourned  to  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  10  o'clock. 


SATURDAY  MORNING,  May  21st,  1814. 

The  Canon,  concerning  the  alms  and  contributions  at  the 
Holy  Communion,  was  taken  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Secretary,  for  their  concurrence. 

A  communication  was  made  to  this  House  by  the  Presi 
dent,  respecting  two  matters  committed  to  him  by  the  last 
triennial  Convention. 

Whereupon,  Resolved,  That  information  of  the  same  be 
transmitted  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  ;  to 
be  returned  to  this  House  and  entered  on  their  Journal. 
The  communication  is  as  follows  : 

The  President  requests  the   attention  of  the  House,   to 


1817.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      465 

liberality,  on  the  part  of  both  the  Clergy  and  Laity,  are  among 
the  circumstances  on  which  we  calculate,  through  the  blessing 
of  God,  for  raising  the  Church  from  its  late  depressed  state, 
and  for  ensuring  its  lasting  prosperity.  From  the  journals  of 
the  Diocesan  Conventions,  it  appears  that  there  has  been  a  con 
siderable  accession  of  members  to  our  communion  since  the 
last  report:  and  as  the  balance  of  emigration  is  against  the 
Diocese,  it  is  evident  that  these  additions  have  been  principally 
drawn  from  other  denominations :  and  that  the  liberality  of 
our  people  has  been  proportionate  to  this  increase,  is  manifest 
from  the  great  number  of  edifices  which  have  been  erected  for 
the  celebration  of  the  ordinances  and  worship  of  our  Church — 
and  from  the  munificence  displayed  in  the  construction  of  these 
edifices.  Trinity  Church,  in  New  Haven,  which  was  consecrat 
ed  in  February,  1816,  is  surpassed  by  very  few,  if  any  in  the 
Union,  for  size,  convenience,  or  simple  elegance.  The  Church 
in  this  Diocese  has  laboured  under  very  serious  inconvenience 
since  the  death  of  its  late  lamented  Diocesan,  Bishop  Jarvis, 
by  being  in  a  great  measure  deprived  of  the  benefit  of  Episco 
pal  visitations.  This  inconvenience,  however,  is  now  in  a  con 
siderable  degree  remedied,  by  an  arrangement  with  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Hobart,  of  New  York,  who  has  been  regularly 
invited  by  the  Convention  of  the  State,  under  the  20th  Canon 
of  the  General  Convention,  to  take  temporary  charge  of  the 
Diocese  ;  and  has  accordingly  done  so. 

Under  this  arrangement,  Bishop  Hobart  has  visited  a  part  of 
the  Diocese — consecrated  several  churches — and  administered 
the  right  of  confirmation  to  about  1600  persons.  Still,  however, 
the  want  of  a  resident  Diocesan  is  much  felt ;  and  we  confident 
ly  hope  that  the  time  is  not  far  distant,  when  the  fund  for  the 
support  of  a  Bishop,  amounting  already  to  little  less  than 
15,000  dollars,  will  be  sufficient  to  supply  this  necessity,  and  to 
meet  the  wishes,  and  fulfil  the  most  sanguine  expectations  of 
the  friends  of  the  Church  throughout  the  Diocese. 

NEW  YORK. 

We  have  reason  to  be  thankful  to  the  great  Head  of  the 
Church  for  the  degree  of  prosperity  with  which  he  has  blessed 
that  portion  of  it  which  forms  the  Diocese  of  New  York. 
Fidelity  in  the  Clergy,  and  an  encouraging  spirit  of  zeal  and 
devotion  in  the  Laity,  very  generally  prevail.  And  this  fidelity, 
zeal,  and  devotion,  are  marked  with  a  scrupulous  adherence  to 
the  Canons,  Rubrics,  and  edifying  usages  of  our  excellent 
Church.  The  sufficiency  of  her  provisions  to  secure  the  influ- 


466  JOURNAI^OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1817. 

ence  and  happy  consequences  of  evangelical  piety,  has  been,  in 
some  instances,  most  eminently  displayed.  In  illustration  of 
this  remark,  we  refer  to  the  following  extract  from  the  address 
of  the  Bishop  of  this  Diocese  to  the  Convention  of  1816. 

"  In  St.  Paul's  Church,  Troy,  78  received  confirmation,  prin 
cipally  young  persons  ;  many  of  whom  at  the  first  opportunity , 
came  to  the  communion.  I  deem  it  of  importance  to  state, 
that  in  this  congregation,  during  a  season  of  unusual  religious 
excitement,  its  Rector  did  not  h'nd  it  necessary  to  deviate,  in 
any  degree  from  the  forms  of  our  Church ;  but  by  more  fre 
quency  in  the  use  of  them,  and  by  greater  assiduity  in  his 
parochial  duties  and  instructions,  he  was  happily  instrumental 
in  increasing  the  piety  of  his  flock." 

Since  the  period  embraced  in  the  last  report,  twenty-nine 
persons  have  been  admitted  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart, 
to  the  holy  order  of  Deacons,  viz.,  William  B.  Lacey,  Harry 
Croswell  (since  removed  to  Connecticut),  John  Brown,  William 
Creighton,  George  Boyd  (since  removed  to  Pennsylvania), 
Alpheus  Gear,  of  Connecticut,  Eli  Wheeler,  of  Connecticut 
(since  settled  in  this  Diocese),  Alanson  W.  Welton,  of  Connecti 
cut  (since  settled  in  this  Diocese),  George  Y.  Morehouse.  of  Neu 
Jersey,  at  Perth-Amboy,  New  Jersey,  where,  previously  to  the 
election  of  a  Bishop  in  that  Diocese,  Bishop  Hobart  was  invited 
to  hold  an  ordination,  by  the  Standing  Committee  of  the  same 
Gregory  T.  Bedell,  William  Hawley  (since  removed  to  the  city 
of  Washington),  William  H.  Hart  (since  removed  to  Virginia) 
Abiel  Carter,  (since  removed  to  Pennsylvania),  William  J 
Bulkley,  of  Connecticut,  Charles  W.  Hamilton,  Henri  L.  P.  F 
Peneveyre  (from  the  Protestant  Church  of  Luzerne,  in  Switzer 
land),  Henry  U.  Onderdonk,  Thomas  C.  Brownell,  Professor  it 
Union  College,  Schenectady,  Ravaud  Kearney,  Petrus  S.  Ter 
Broeck,  George  Weller,  James  F.  Hull,  of  New  Orleans 
Samuel  Johnston,  Joshua  M.  Rogers,  Hugh  Smith,  Henry 
Anthon,  Richard  F.  Cadle,  Nathaniel  Bruce,  M.  D.  and 
Charles  Smith,  of  Connecticut. 

Twenty  Deacons  have  been  admitted  to  the  holy  order  of 
Priests,  viz.  the  Rev.  James  Thompson,  the  Kev.  David  Hun 
tington,  the  Rev.  Eli  Wheeler,  the  Rev.  Benjamin  T.  Onder 
donk,  the  Rev.  Lewis  P.  Bayard,  of  New  Jersey,  at  Newark 
(N.  J.)  where  Bishop  Hobart  was  invited  prior  to  the  electioi 
of  a  Bishop  in  that  State,  by  the  Standing  Committee  of  th( 
same,  to  hold  an  ordination;  the  Rev.  Alausou  W.  Welton,  th( 
Rev.  John  Brown,  the  Rev.  William  B.  Lacey,  the  Rev.  Henr 
L.  P.  F.  Peneveyre,  the  Rev.  Henry  U.  Onderdouk,  the  Rev 


1817.]          JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  467 

Johu  P.  K.  Henshaw,  (since  removed  to  Maryland) ;  the  Rev. 
James  F.  Hull,  of  New  Orleans;  the  Rev.  Thomas  C.  Brownell; 
the  Rev.  Walter  Cranston,  of  Georgia,  at  New  Haven,  in  Con 
necticut,  the  Rev.  Reuben  Sherwood,  of  Connecticut,  at  Nor- 
walk,  in  that  Diocese  in  which  Diocese  Bishop  Hobart  had 
been  invited  by  the  Convention  of  the  same,  agreeably  to  the 
20th  Canon  of  the  General  Convention,  to  perform  Episcopal 
offices ;  the  Rev.  Evan  M.  Johnson,  the  Rev.  William  Creigh- 
ton,  the  Rev.  Ravaud  Kearney,  the  Rev.  Petrus  S.  Ten  Broeck, 
and  the  Rev.  George  Weller. 

Since  the  last  General  Convention,  the  following  Institutions 
have  taken  place  in  this  Diocese :  of  the  Rev.  John  M' Vickar 
to  the  Rectorship  of  St.  James's  Church,  Hyde  Park,  Dutchess 
County ;  of  the  Rev.  Henry  J.  Feltus,  to  that  of  St.  Stephen's 
Church,  New  York ;  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  F.  Jarvis,  to  that  of 
St.  James's  Church,  New  York ;  of  the  Rev.  Charles  Seabury, 
to  that  of  Caroline  Church  Brookhaven,  Long  Island ;  of  the 
Rev.  Eli  Wheeler,  to  that  of  St.  John's  Church,  Johnstown ; 
of  the  Rev.  John  P.  K.  Henshaw,  (since  removed  to  Maryland), 
to  that  of  St.  Ann's  Church,  Brooklyn,  Long  Island;  of  the 
Rev.  Parker  Adams,  to  that  of  Trinity  Church,  Lansingburgh, 
Rensselaer  County,  and  Grace  Church,  Waterford,  Saratoga 
County ;  of  the  Rev.  Joseph  Prentice,  to  that  of  St.  Luke's 
Church,  Cattskill,  Greene  County ;  of  the  Rev.  David  Moore, 
to  that  of  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Staten  Island ;  of  the  Rev. 
James  Milnor,  to  that  of  St.  George's  Church,  New  York ;  of 
the  Rev.  William  Creighton,  to  that  of  St.  Mark's  Church, 
New  York ;  of  the  Rev.  Henri  L.  P.  F.  Peneveyre,  to  that  of 
the  French  Church  Du  St.  Esprit,  New  York — where  the  ser 
vices  of  our  Church  are  celebrated  in  the  French  language. 

The  Right  Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart,  D.  D.,  has  been  ap 
pointed  Rector ;  the  Rev.  Thomas  Y.  How,  D.  D.,  Assistant 
Rector ;  and  the  Rev.  Benjamin  T.  Onderdonk,  an  Assistant 
Minister  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York.  The  Rev.  Evan  M. 
Johnson  has  been  settled  as  Minister  of  St.  James's  Church, 
Newtown,  Long  Island ;  the  Rev.  Gregory  T.  Bedell,  Deacon 
of  Christ  Church,  Hudson,  Columbia  County ;  the  Rev.  John 
Brown,  of  St.  George's  Church,  Newburgh,  Orange  County; 
the  Rev.  William  Powell,  of  St.  John's  Church,  Yonkers,  West 

Chester  County ;  the  Rev.  Henry  Anthon,  Deacon  of 

Church,  Redhook,  Dutchess  County;  the  Rev.  Ravaud  Kear 
ney,  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  East  Chester,  West  Chester  County; 
the  Rev.  Petrus  S.  Ten  Broeck,  of  Trinity  Church,  Fishkill, 
and  St.  Phillip's  Church,  Phillipstowu,  Dutchess  County,  and 


468  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1817. 

St.  Peter's  Church,  Peekskill,  Putnam  County ;  and  the  Rev. 
Daniel  Me  Donald,  of  Trinity  Church,  Fairfield,  Herkimer 
County. 

The  following  clergymen  are  at  present  employed  as  Mis 
sionaries  in  this  State,  by,  and  under  the  direction  of,  the  ec 
clesiastical  authority  of  the  Diocese;  the  Rev.  Daniel  Nash, 
the  Rev.  Samuel  Fuller,  the  Rev.  William  A.  Clark,  the  Rev. 
James  Thompson,  the  Rev.  William  B.  Lacey,  the  Rev.  Russel 
Wheeler,  the  Rev.  Alanson  W.  Welton,  the  Rev.  Ezekiel  G. 
Gear,  Deacon,  the  Rev.  Orin  Clark,  the  Rev.  Stephen  Jewett, 
the  Rev.  Professor  Thomas  C.  Brownell  (who  performs  mission 
ary  services  on  Sundays,  in  destitute  congregations  in  the  vicin 
ity  of  Union  College;)  the  Rev.  Charles  W.  Hamilton,  Deacon, 
the  Rev.  Henry  U.  Onderdonk,  the  Rev.  George  Weller,  the 
Rev.  Samuel  Johnston,  Deacon,  the  Rev.  Joshua  M.  Rogers, 
Deacon,  and  the  Rev.  Charles  Seabury.  And  here  it  is  proper 
to  mention  that,  from  the  Missionary  Fund  in  this  Diocese,  a 
salary  is  also  given  to  Mr.  Eleazar  Williams,  a  young  man  of 
Indian  extraction,  who  resides  with  the  Oiieida  tribe  in  this 
State,  and  performs  the  very  useful  offices  of  lay  reader,  cate- 
chist,  and  school-master  among  his  Indian  brethren.  His  re 
ligious  exercises  are  the  services  of  our  Church,  and  approved 
sermons,  both  translated  into  the  Mohawk  language.  His 
labours  have  been  very  faithful,  and  promise  great  success. 

The  Church  in  this  Diocese  has  experienced  incalculable 
advantage  from  the  faithful  labours  of  Missionaries.  Some  of 
the  best  established  parishes,  now  affording  competent  support 
to  their  pastors,  owe  their  existence,  under  God,  to  these 
labours.  They  have  preserved  the  services  of  the  sanctuary 
where,  from  a  variety  of  opposing  causes,  there  was  danger  of 
their  loss.  They  have  revived  them  in  churches  long  vacated  ; 
and  they  are  now  carrying  their  consolations  and  their  benefits 
to  the  remotest  parts  of  the  Diocese.  As  their  happy  conse 
quence,  sacred  edifices,  commodious,  neat,  not  uufrequently 
elegant,  are  fast  beautifying  tracts  of  our  State,  which,  but 
lately,  were  an  entire  wilderness. 

Among  the  changes  that  have  taken  place  in  this  Diocese 
since  the  last  General  Convention,  we  have  to  notice  the 
decease  of  the  Right  Rev.  Samuel  Provoost,  D.  D.,  the  Right 
Rev.  Benjamin  Moore,  D.  D.,  and  the  Rev.  Elias  Cooper,  the 
late  pious  and  useful  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Yonkers, 
and,  the  oldest  Presbyter  in  the  Diocese. 

The  Confirmations  reported  by  the  Bishop  in  1814,  were  800; 
in  1815— 400;  in  1816— 1000.  Total,  2200.  For  the  admin- 


1817.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      469 

istration  of  this  ordinance,  and  for  the  discharge  of  other  Epis 
copal  dutiess  the  Bishop  regularly  and  frequently  visits  every 
parish  in  this  extensive  Diocese. 

Since  the  last  report  the  following  parishes  have  been  duly 
organized  in  this  Diocese,  and  received  into  union  with  the 
Convention ;  St.  Paul's  Church,  Oxford,  Chenango  County ; 
Trinity  Church,  Coventry,  Chenango  County ;  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Preble  and  Tully,  Courtlandt  County ;  Trinity  Church, 
Granville,  Washington  County;  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Genoa, 
Cayuga  County ;  Zion  Church,  Onondaga,  Onondaga  County ; 
St.  Stephen's  Church,  Smithfield,  Madison  County;  and  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Durham,  Greene  County. 

The  following  churches  have  been  consecrated  by  the  Bishop : 
St.  Matthew's  Church,  Unadilla,  Otsego  County;  Trinity 
Church,  Athens,  Greene  County;  Christ  Church,  Manlius, 
Onondaga  County;  Trinity  Church,  Rensselaerville,  Albany 
County;  St.  George's  Church,  New  York,  (re-built,  after  de 
struction  by  fire) ;  St.  James's  Church,  North  Salem,  West 
Chester  County;  Trinity  Church,  Granville,  Washington  Coun 
ty  ;  St.  John's  Church,  Canandaigua,  Ontario  County. 

The  whole  number  of  organized  congregations  in  the  Diocese 
amounts  to  115,  and  the  number  of  clergy  to  68. 

A  short  time  previous  to  the  last  General  Convention,  St. 
George's  Church,  in  the  city  of  New  York,  was  destroyed  by 
fire.  Since  that  period,  our  brethren  in  that  city  have  been 
again  visited  with'  the  same  calamity.  Zion  Church,  belonging 
to  a  small  but  respectable  congregation,  who,  a  few  years  since, 
conformed  to  our  communion,  and  have  uniformly  evinced  their 
strong  attachment  to  our  doctrines  and  worship,  has  been  burnt. 
This  unhappy  circumstance  so  deranged  the  affairs  of  the  par 
ish,  as  to  render  necessary  the  removal  of  the  worthy  Rector, 
the  Rev.  Ralph  Williston,  whose  useful  services  are  now  trans 
ferred  to  another  Diocese.  The  re-building  of  this  church  has 
progressed  only  in  part. 

It  is  matter  of  sincere  felicitation  to  the  members  of  our 
Church  in  this  Diocese,  that  although  peculiar  circumstances 
have,  in  some  measure,  threatened  her  temporal  prosperity,  her 
members  have  not  suffered  it  to  decline,  but  have  made  efforts 
proportioned  to  the  emergency.  This  has  been  particularly 
manifested  in  many  country  parishes,  where  unprecedented  ex 
ertions  have  been  made  in  building  and  repairing  places  of 
public  worship,  and  meeting  other  parochial  expenses. 

Not  least  among  the  means  that  have  been  blessed  to  the 
good  of  the  Church  in  this  Diocese,  are  the  voluntary  associa- 


470      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1817. 

tions  formed  by  her  members  for  the  promotion  of  pious  objects. 
The  number  of  Bible  and  Common  Prayer  Book  Societies  has 
considerably  increased.  One,  established  in  the  city  of  New 
York,  by  young  men  of  our  Church,  as  auxiliary  to  that  which 
was  instituted  in  1809,  has  set  an  unprecedented  example  of 
activity  and  zeal  in  the  diffusion  of  religious  truth.  The  young 
men  of  the  same  city  have  also  lately  distinguished  themselves 
by  forming  another  association,  promising  the  most  beneficial 
consequences.  Its  object  is  to  raise  funds  for  the  support  of 
Missionaries  employed  by  the  Bishop,  and  the  Committee  for 
propagating  the  Gospel,  (appointed  by  the  Convention),  with 
whom  is  lodged  the  only  authority  to  manage  the  missionary 
concerns  of  the  Diocese. 

To  conclude :  although  it  must  be  confessed  that  much  still 
remains  to  be  done  in  this  Diocese,  yet,  thankful  for  the  pros 
perity  it  has  heretofore  enjoyed,  we  cherish  the  humble  hope, 
that  the  vigilant  superintendence  with  which  it  is  blessed,  the 
fidelity  of  its  pastors,  and  the  zeal,  devotion  and  liberality  of 
its  members,  will  be  sanctified  to  its  further  increase  and  its 
instrumentality  in  promoting  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  salva 
tion  of  men. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

The  state  of  the  Church,  in  this  Diocese,  through  the  good 
ness  of  God,  continues,  on  the  whole,  to  improve.  Its  progress 
is  not  rapid,  but  steady  and  substantial. 

The  Churches  at  Newark,  Elizabeth  Town,  Perth-Amboy, 
New  Brunswick,  and  Burlington,  remain  under  the  care  of  the 
Pastors  who  had  the  charge  of  them  when  the  last  report  was 
made.  They  are  flourishing,  both  in  their  temporal  and  spirit 
ual  concerns ;  and  afford  every  reason  for  the  conclusion  that, 
with  the  Divine  blessing,  they  will  continue  so.  Within  the 
last  three  years,  the  congregation  at  Perth-Amboy  have  erected 
a  convenient  and  handsome  house  for  the  accommodation  of 
their  Rector.  The  same  valuable  object  is  in  progress  at 
Elizabeth  Town. 

Of  the  Churches  at  Shrewsbury,  Middletown,  and  Freehold, 
united  under  the  pastoral  care  of  the  clergyman  formerly  re 
ported,  the  first  named  has  considerably  increased  both  in  num 
ber  of  families  and  communicants.  The  congregation  has  also 
repaired  and  painted  its  handsome  church.  The  other  two 
congregations  remain  as  before  stated. 

The  congregation  of  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Mount  Holly,  has 
also  much  increased.  Formerly  it  enjoyed  only  part  of  the 


1817.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       471 

services  of  a  clergyman ;  but,  within  the  last  two  years,  it  has 
been  able  to  give  entire  support  to  one.  The  Rev.  George  Y. 
Morehouse  is  now  the  Rector  of  that  Church. 

St.  John's  Church  at  Salem,  vacant  for  more  than  forty 
years,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  months  in  1792  and  1798, 
has,  within  a  short  time,  revived,  and  considerably  improved. 
It  now  enjoys,  in  conjunction  with  St.  George's,  Perm's  Neck, 
which  had  also,  for  a  long  time,  been  vacant,  and  St.  Mary  s, 
Colcstown,  lately  much  increased,  the  ministrations  of  the 
Pastor  formerly  of  St.  Andrew's,  Mount  Holly. 

The  respectable  Church  at  Swedesborough,  though  still  large, 
has,  since  the  last  report,  from  some  cause  not  accurately  known, 
experienced  a  considerable  diminution  in  the  number  of  its 
communicants.  The  Rector  formerly  named  has  still  the 
charge  of  it. 

The  Churches  at  Jersey,  Berkley,  Mullica's  Hill,  Glassborough, 
Woodbridge,  Trenton,  Spots  wood,  Newton,  Knowlton,  Hard- 
wick,  Piscataway,  Alexandria,  Amwell,  Allen-Town,  and  Chew's 
Landing,  still  remain  vacant.  The  first  five  have  the  benefit  of 
Divine  Service,  performed  by  licensed  candidates  and  other  lay 
men:  and  the  whole  occasionally  enjoy  the  ministrations  of  the 
Bishop  and  the  neighbouring  Rectors.  The  difficulty,  for  some 
time  past,  of  procuring  a  suitable  clergyman  to  act  as  a  Mission 
ary,  has  occasiond  the  state  of  the  vacant  Churches  generally, 
to  be  less  favourable  than  it  would  otherwise  have  been.  That 
difficulty  will,  no  doubt,  shortly  be  removed,  as  means  are  in 
progress  for  obtaining  one.  t 

There  is  a  prospect,  also,  that  a  new  Church  will  shortly  be 
instituted  at  the  manufacturing  town  of  Paterson. 

The  Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  since  his  consecration  in  Novem 
ber,  1815,  has  visited  the  Churches  at  Newark,  Elizabeth  Town, 
Shrewsbury,  Spotswood,  Mount-Holly,  Swedesborough,  Salem, 
Berkeley,  Mullica's  Hill,  and  Glassborough,  and  administered 
the  holy  rite  of  Confirmation  in  those  of  them  which  follow,  viz. 
at  Swedesborough,  Mount-Holly,  Elizabeth  Town,  Shrewsbury, 
New-Brunswick,  and  Newark.  The  number  confirmed  in  these 
Churches  was  198. 

He  also  admitted  to  the  holy  order  of  Priests,  the  Rev. 
George  Y.  Morehouse,  who,  shortly  after,  was  instituted  Rector 
of  St.  Andrew's  Church,  at  Mount-Holly. 

Samuel  C.  Stratton  and  Francis  H.  Cuming  have  been  ad 
mitted  candidates  for  holy  orders  since  the  last  General  Con 
vention.  Within  the  same  time,  the  Rev.  Lewis  P.  Bayard 
has  been  ordained  Priest,  and  instituted  Rector  of  Trinity 
Church  Newark. 


472      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1817. 

It  is  with  pleasure  likewise  stated,  that  the  Missionary  Fund, 
which,  on  a  former  report,  was  $  2,307.42,  has,  by  a  report  made 
in  August  last  to  the  State  Convention,  increased  to  &  2,611.04. 

The  Fund  for  the  support  of  the  widows  and  children  of 
clergymen  has  also  considerably  increased. 

The  Permanent  Fund  of  the  Episcopal  Society  has  advanced 
from  $156,  the  sum  stated  in  the  former  report,  to  6475.  The 
Society  has  also  distributed  a  considerable  number  of  Bibles, 
Prayer  Books,  and  Tracts. 

It  is  further  stated,  and  with  great  satisfaction,  that  the 
females  of  the  churches  of  Newark  and  Elizabeth-Town,  have 
established  Bible  and  Prayer-Book  Societies,  auxiliary  to  the 
Episcopal  Society. 

A  Missionary  Society  has  also  been  instituted  in  Trinity 
Church,  Newark,  in  aid  of  the  General  Fund. 

Sunday  Schools  have  likewise  been  established  in  several 
congregations,  principaly  by  ladies,  which  promise  much  good. 

Since  the  last  Convention,  the  number  of  officiating  clergy 
men  has  increased  from  8  to  9,  and  the  instituted  rectors  from 
6  to  8. 

On  an  examination  of  the  progress  of  the  Church  in  this 
Diocese,  since  the  termination  of  the  Revolutionary  war,  in 
1783,  it  is  found  that  it  has  increased  by  the  addition  of  Trinity 
Church,  Swedesborough ;  St.  George's  Church,  Penn's-Neck ; 
St.  John's  Church,  Chew's  Landing ;  .St.  Thomas's  Church, 
Glassborough ;  St.  Matthew's  Church,  City  of  Jersey ;  and  St. 
Stephen's  Church,  Mullica's  Hill. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  Church  in  this  Diocese  has  always  been  small,  and 
principally  limited  to  the  City  of  Philadelphia  and  its  imme 
diate  neighborhood.  We  have,  however,  satisfactory  evidence, 
that  it  is  increasing  in  numbers,  strengh,  and  zeal,  and,  we 
trust,  in  piety. 

Prayer  Books,  and  many  valuable  tracts,  have  been  distrib 
uted  by  the  Society  for  the  Advancement  of  Christianity  in 
this  State.  This  Society  has  likewise,  by  means  of  its  Missiona 
ries  supplied  several  vacant  congregations  with  occasional 
services,  and  formed  new  congregations  in  the  north-western 
part  of  the  Diocese. 

Since  the  last  General  Convention,  two  churches  have  been 
consecrated  to  the  worship  of  Almighty  God.  The  communi 
cants  of  some  congregations  have  greatly  increased,  and  a 
growing  attention  to  the  best  interests  of  the  soul  is  evidently 
perceptible. 


1817.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      473 

During  last  year  a  new  Society  was  formed  in  this  Diocese, 
for  the  express  purpose  of  sending  Missionaries  into  the  western 
States.  Under  its  direction,  a  young  clergyman  has  visited, 
with  success,  many  parts  of  Ohio,  Kentucky,  and  Tennessee. 

The  most  gratifying  intelligence  from  this  Diocese  is,  that  a 
very  considerable  number  of  young  men  have  directed  their 
attention  to  the  Gospel  ministry.  There  are,  at  present,  twelve 
candidates  for  holy  orders. 

During  the  years  1814,  1815,  and  1816,  487  persons  have 
been  confirmed. 

Since  the  last  General  Convention,  the  following  persons  have 
received  Deacon's  orders:  James  Milnor,  Samuel  Phinney, 
George  Sheets,  Jacob  Morgan  Douglass,  James  Montgomery, 
Thomas  P.  May,  Charles  M.  Dupuy,  and  Joseph  R.  Walker. 

During  the  same  period,  the  following  have  received  Priest's 
orders :  Rev.  James  Milnor,  Rev.  Jehu  Curtis  Clay,  Rev.  George 
Boyd,  Rev.  Abiel  Carter,  and  Rev.  Samuel  Phiuney. 

The  members  of  this  Diocese  have  been  zealous  in  distribut 
ing  the  Bible. 

DELAWARE. 

This  Diocese  was  once  an  important  portion  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church.  In  this  small  State  there  are  the  remains 
of  eleven  congregations,  which,  at  no  very  distant  period,  were 
all  supplied  with  the  ministrations  of  the  Divine  Word  by  cler 
gymen  of  our  Church.  Owing,  however,  to  causes  of  which  we 
can  now  have  but  a  very  indistinct  view,  and  which  probably 
cannot,  by  any,  be  correctly  traced,  this  Diocese  preesnts  a  most 
deplorable  picture  of  departure  from  its  first  love.  There  are 
but  two  of  the  congregations  in  this  Diocese  that  are  regularly 
supplied  by  ministers  of  our  Church.  From  the  year  1810  till 
1816  there  was  no  regular  Convention  held.  In  the  last  men 
tioned  year,  a  Convention  was  called,  at  which  some  regulations 
were  entered  into,  which,  should  they  be  carried  into  effect,  it 
is  hoped,  and  with  some  confidence  expected,  that,  through  the 
Divine  blessing,  the  situation  of  the  Church  in  this  State  will 
be  greatly  meliorated.  Distressing  as  is  the  condition  of  the 
Church  in  this  Diocese,  still  there  is  every  reason  to  believe 
that  her  prospects  are  brighter  than  they  have  been  for  many 
years.  Among  some  things  which  induce  this  belief  may  be 
reckoned  this  pleasing  circumstance,  that,  within  the  last 
eighteen  months,  there  have  been  admitted,  as  candidates  for 
holy  orders,  of  this  State,  four  young  men  of  piety  and  talents, 
of  whom  the  most  encouraging  hopes  are  entertained.  Another 


474      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1817. 

circumstance  in  the  present  prospects  of  our  Church  here,  and 
which  seems  to  offer  the  most  effectual  means  of  her  restoration, 
is  the  establishment  of  an  Episcopal  Missionary  Society  in 
Wilmington.  If  the  zeal  of  our  members  can  be  excited  so  as 
to  afford  sufficient  pecuniary  aid  to  this  institution,  we  expect, 
both  from  the  benefits  which  have  already  resulted  from  mis 
sionary  exertions  in  one  Church,  and  from  the  peculiar  state 
of  feeling  on  this  subject  in  this  Diocese,  that,  through  God's 
grace,  the  Church  may  be  raised  to  a  degree  of  strength  and 
respectability  exceeding  the  most  sanguine  expectations  of  past 
years.  In  Wilmington  efforts  have  been  making  to  raise  a 
spacious  building  for  the  service  of  God ;  but  there  are  so  many 
difficulties  in  the  way  of  their  success,  and  so  few  to  contend 
with  them,  that  some  fear  is  entertained  as  to  the  final  accom 
plishment  of  the  object. 

MARYLAND. 

The  members  of  the  Church  in  this  Diocese  appear  to  be 
increasing  in  piety  and  zeal.  Xew  churches  have  been  erected, 
the  number  of  communicants  has  increased,  greater  regard  is 
had  to  the  discipline  and  forms  of  worship  of  the  Church,  and 
more  anxiety  is  discovered  to  keep  In  decent  repair  the  houses 
of  worship,  and  to  provide  for  the  comfortable  support  of  the 
ministry ;  yet,  in  many  parts  of  the  Diocese,  the  Church  is  still 
in  a  low  and  depressed  state,  and  its  members  are  deprived  of 
the  ministrations  of  the  sanctuary.  If  pious  and  zealous  clergy 
men  could  be  procured,  there  is  every  reason  to  believe  that,  in 
these  parishes,  the  Church  would  flourish,  and  religion  would 
prosper.  Some  societies  have  been  formed  for  the  distribution 
of  religious  tracts ;  and,  at  the  last  meeting  of  the  Convention, 
steps  were  taken  to  raise  a  fund  for  the  support  of  Missionaries, 
and  the  education  of  young  men  for  the  ministry. 

In  the  Convention  ot  1814  a  Suffragan  Bishop  was  appointed 
in  this  Diocese,  and  its  venerable  Bishop  (  who  has  since,  after 
a  long  life  of  piety  and  usefulness,  been  called  away  to  receive 
the  reward  of  his  labours),  commissioned  him  to  perform  all 
Episcopal  duties  on  the  Eastern  Shore  of  this  State.  Part  of 
the  Diocese  was  shortly  after  visited  by  Bishop  Kemp,  and  the 
rite  of  Confirmation  administered  by  him  to  about  330  persons 
before  the  meeting  of  the  last  Convention.  The  ill  health  of 
Bishop  Claggett,  for  some  years  before  his  death,  prevented  him 
from  attending  some  of  the  Conventions,  and  communicating 
the  Episcopal  duties  performed  by  him. 


1817.]  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  475 

VIRGINIA. 

The  Church  here  has  risen  from  that  gloom  and  depression 
which  caused  her  friends  to  mourn  and  weep.  She  now  is  in  a 
prosperous  state.  A  spirit  of  true  religion  is  reviving  in  almost 
every  part  of  the  Diocese ;  and  a  sincere  attachment  to  the  pure 
doctrine  and  worship  of  our  Church  is  increasing  among  her 
members.  In  Fredericksburgh  a  large  church  has  been  erected 
and  consecrated.  In  Leesburgh  a  church  has  been  built  and 
consecrated.  In  several  parishes,  churches  that  were  in  a  ru 
inous  state  have  been  repaired.  In  Warrenton  a  handsome 
church  is  building,  and  will  be  ready  for  consecration  in  a  few 
weeks.  In  Charlestown  a  spacious  church  is  building,  and  will 
be  finished  in  the  course  of  the  present  year.  In  Port  Royal 
an  adequate  sum  of  money  has  been  subscribed  for  building  a 
church  there.  A  sufficient  sum  of  money  has  been  subscribed 
for  erecting  a  church  in  Luuenburgh. 

In  the  city  of  Richmond  there  are  two  numerous  and  very 
respectable  congregations.  In  Norfolk  there  is  a  large  and  re 
spectable  congregation.  In  Petersburgh  the  Church  is  more 
prosperous  than  formerly.  In  Alexandria  there  are  two  large 
and  very  respectable  congregations.  A  Prayer-Book  and  Tract 
Society  has  been  established  here.  By  the  blessing  of  Almighty 
God,  our  worthy  arid  zealous  Bishop  has  been  instrumental  in 
conducing  much  to  the  prosperity  of  our  Zion,  wherever  he  has 
visited  in  his  Diocese. 

NORTH  CAROLINA. 

There  is  a  well-grounded  hope,  that  the  Church  in  this  Dio 
cese  (now  first  received  into  union  with  the  General  Convention) 
will  increase  in  strength  (with  Divine  aid)  so  as,  in  a  few  years, 
to  be  able  to  dispense  the  Word  of  God  to  a  large  number  of- 
souls  that  are  now  scattered  over  a  wide  tract  of  country,  a 
great  part  of  whom  are  almost  strangers  to  the  sound  of  the 
Gospel. 

There  are  at  present  but  three  Churches  in  the  State  that  are 
blessed  with  settled  pastors — those  at  Fayetteville,  Wilmington, 
and  Newbern. 

At  the  first  of  these  places  the  congregation  has  lately  settled 
the  Rev.  Bethel  Judd,  from  the  Diocese  of  Connecticut. 

At  Wilmington  there  is  a  church  of  considerable  size,  and 
generally  well  attended.  The  congregation  have  evinced  by 
their  attention  to  the  Church  a  strong  and  ardent  wish  for  its 
prosperity.  They  have  at  present  the  Rev.  Adam  Empie,  from 
the  Diocese  of  New  York,  for  their  pastor,  who  is  much  beloved 
by  the  congregation. 


476      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     1817.] 

At  Newbern  the  church  has  lately  undergone  some  altera 
tions  and  repairs,  and  affords  a  very  comfortable  and  decent 
house  of  worship.  Since  the  first  of  April,  the  Rev.  Jehu  Curtis 
Clay,  from  the  Diocese  of  Pennsylvania,  has  been  the  pastor  of 
this  congregation,  and  he  has  had  the  satisfaction  of  having 
the  church  numerously  and  respectably  attended.  The  num 
ber  of  communicants  on  last  Easter  Day  exceeded  thirty,  and 
there  is  but  little  doubt  that  this  Church  will  increase,  should 
the  present  minister  continue  his  services  amongst  this  people, 
who,  for  about  twelve  mouths  before  his  arrival,  were  destitute 
of  a  pastor. 

At  Edenton  there  is  a  neat  church,  but,  unfortunately  for  the 
congregation,  they  have  no  minister,  nor  have  they  had  one 
since  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hatch  left  them,  about  two  years  since. 

The  town  of  Washington,  and  its  vicinity,  has  lately  met 
with  a  loss  in  the  death  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Blunt,  who,  for  many 
years  before  his  decease,  was  in  the  habit  of  making  appoint 
ments  in  different  parts  of  the  county  in  which  he  resided,  where 
he  would  preach,  baptize  children,  and,  at  stated  times,  admin 
ister  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper.  These  families,  not  a 
few  in  number,  are  now  entirely  deprived  of  hearing  the  Word 
of  God  preached,  and  of  having  the  bread  of  life  broken  to 
them  by  an  Episcopal  minister. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

It  is  with  peculiar  satisfaction  we  report  the  increasing  pro 
gress  of  the  Church  in  this  Diocese.  It  appears,  that  since  the 
last  meeting  of  the  General  Convention,  some  new  congrega 
tions  have  been  formed,  and  some  new  churches  have  been 
erected  in  this  section  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Communion  ; 
particularly  a  spacious  and  elegant  church  in  the  city  of 
Charleston,  a  neat  and  handsome  church  on  John's  Island,  a 
church  in  St.  Mark's,  and  one  in  All-Saints'  parish.  In  some 
other  parts  of  this  Diocese,  funds  have  been  raised,  and  exer 
tions  are  making  for  rebuilding  their  places  of  public  worship ; 
and  several  have  lately  been  fully  completed,  and  the  cemete 
ries  enclosed. 

It  also  appears  that  the  Canons  and  Rules  of  the  Church 
have  here  been  observed ;  that  the  public  offices  of  our  holy 
religion  have,  with  much  uniformity,  been  performed  according 
to  the  rubrics  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer ;  and  that  great 
harmony  and  love  subsist  between  the  Bishop  and  his  Clergy, 
as  well  as  among  the  Clergy  themselves. 

It  furthermore  appears  that  Mr.  John  Chandler,  Mr.  Henry 


1817.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       477 

Gibbs,  Mr.  David  J.  Campbell,  and  Mr.  "Wilson,  have 

been  admitted  by  the  Bishop  as  candidates  for  holy  orders ;  that 
Mr.  Morris  H.  Lance,  Mr.  Thomas  Frost,  and  Mr.  Albert  Mul- 
ler,  natives  of  this  Diocese,  have  been  received  into  the  holy 
order  of  Deacons ;  and  that  the  Rev.  Christian  Hankel  has 
been  advanced  to  the  holy  order  of  Priests. 

It  appears,  however,  that  there  is  yet  cause  to  lament  the 
ruinous  state  of  many  churches,  and  the  want  of  clergymen  in 
various  parts  of  this  Diocese.  "  The  harvest  is  truly  great,  but 
the  labourers  are  few."  We  have  also  to  lament,  that  since  the 
last  meeting  of  this  Convention,  two  clergymen,  viz.  the  Rev. 
James  Dewar  Simons,  and  the  Rev.  Joseph  Warren,  have  been 
removed  by  death. 

The  Society  instituted  for  the  Advancement  of  Christianity  in 
this  Diocese  has  been  productive  of  much  good,  and  its  funds 
and  influence  are  rapidly  increasing.  The  baptisms  and  the 
communicants  have  greatly  multiplied  within  the  last  year; 
and  the  public  worship  of  Almighty  God  has  not  only  been 
more  generally  and  devoutly  attended,  but  religious  knowledge 
and  practice  seem  to  be  progressive.  The  visitations  of  the 
Bishop  have  been  frequent,  and  the  sacred  rite  of  Confirmation 
has  been  duly  administered. 

From  the  unremitted  zeal  and  exertions  of  the  Bishop  and 
Clergy  of  this  Diocese,  there  is  reason  to  cherish  the  most  flat 
tering  expectations,  that  the  power  as  well  as  the  form  of  relig 
ion,  under  the  blessing  of  God,  will  continue  to  increase. 

THE  WESTERN  STATES. 

• 

The  most  gratifying  intelligence  relative  to  our  Church  in 
this  extensive  part  of  the  United  States  has  been  laid  before 
this  Convention.  A  respectable  and  flourishing  congregation 
in  the  city  of  Lexington,  State  of  Kentucky,  has  for  several 
years  been  blessed  with  the  regular  ministrations  of  our  Church, 
and  the  care  of  an  active  and  zealous  pastor.  Ing  the  State  of 
Ohio,  nineteen  congregations  have  been  regularly  organized ; 
and  steps  taken  for  constituting  a  Diocese.  The  measures 
adopted  by  this  Convention,  added  to  the  zeal  and  attachment 
to  the  Church  manifested  by  the  scattered  members  of  our  com 
munion  in  these  States,  and  the  disinterested  labours  of  a  few 
(clergymen  who  have  been  among  them,  will,  it  is  hoped, 
through  the  blessing  of  God,  tend  to  their  speedy  enjoyment  of 
Episcopal  superintendence. 

In  laying  the  preceding  statement  before  the  House  of  Bish- 


478      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     1817.] 

ops,  the   House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  solicit   their 
counsel,  and  their  prayers  for  the  blessing  of  Almighty  God. 
Signed,  by  order  of,  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies, 

WILLIAM  H.  WILMER,  PRESIDENT. 
YORK,  May  26,  1817. 


The  house  adjourned  to  attend  Divine  Service.  Service 
was  performed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wyatt,  and  a  sermon 
preached  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Kemp. 

After  Divine  Service,  the  house  met,  and  resumed  the 
consideration  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  How's  resolution,  which  was 
passed  in  the  affirmative. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  S.  Wilmer,  offered  the  following  resolution, 
which  was  laid  upon  the  table  : 

Resolved,  —  That  the  next  General  Convention  be  holden 
at  -  . 

The  Hon.  Charles  Fenton  Mercer  submitted  the  follow 
ing  resolution  and  proposed  alterations  of  the  Constitution 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  which  were  read  and 
laid  upon  the  table  : 

Resolved,  —  That  it  be  made  known  to  the  several  State 
Conventions  of  this  Church,  that  it  is  proposed  to  consider 
at  the  next  General  Convention,  and,  if  deemed  expedient, 
finally  to  ratify,  the  following  alterations  of  the  Constitu 
tion  of  the  Church  :  — 

1st.  To  strike  out  from  the  beginning  of  the  second  Arti 
cle  to  the  end  of  the  first  period,  which  terminates  with  the 
word  "  Convention,  "  and  to  insert  in  lieu  thereof,  the  fol 
lowing  provisions  :  —  Every  State  or  Territory  of  the  United 
States,  may  be  made  to  constitute,  of  itself,  or  in  union 
with  the  whole  or  certain  portions  of  any  other  State  or  Ter 
ritory,  one  iDiocese,  or  be  divided  into  two  or  more  Dioceses 
by  the  General  Convention,  with  the  consent  of  the  local  Ec 
clesiastical  authority  or  authorities  affected  thereby.  Each 
Diocese  shall  be  entitled  to  a  representation  of  the  clergy  and 
laity,  to  consist  of  deputies  chosen  in  such  manner  as  the 
Convention  of  the  Diocese  may  prescribe  ;  the  number  of 
clerical  deputies  of  each  Diocese  to  be  in  the  proportion  of 
one  deputy  for  every  five  ministers  resident,  and  the  num 
ber  of  lay  deputies,  of  one  for  every  ten  congregations 
organized  therein  ;  provided,  that  every  Diocese  shall  be 


1817.]   JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      479 

entitled  to  at  least  two  clerical  and  two  lay  deputies,  and 
that  no  Diocese  shall  be  entitled  to  more  than  twelve  Cler 
ical  and  eight  Lay  Deputies  in  the  General  Convention. 
In  all  questions  submitted  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  the  decision  thereupon,  if  required  by  the 
representation  of  any  Diocese,  shall  be  by  orders  ;  each 
order  having  one  vote  expressed  by  a  majority  of  the  voices 
therein,  and  the  concurrence  of  both  orders  shall  be  neces 
sary  in  such  case,  to  constitute  a  vote  of  the  house. 

2cl.  Wherever  the  word  "  State "  or  "  States "  occurs  in 
the  present  Constitution  or  Canons  of  the  Church,  without 
being  followed  by  the  word  "  Diocese"  or  "  Dioceses, "  such 
word  shall  be  deemed  to  be  supplied  by  the  preceding 
amendment  of  the  Constitution,  if  a  just  exposition  of  the 
sense  of  the  Constitution  or  Canon  require  it. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton,  from  the  committee  on  a  Theo 
logical  Seminary,  made  the  following  report,  which  was 
read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  subject  of  estab 
lishing  a  Theological  Seminary  for  the  Protestant  Episco 
pal  Church,  beg  leave  to  report  the  following  resolutions  : 

1.  Resolved, — That  a  Seminary  for  the  better  education 
of  candidates  for  the  ministry  be  established,  to  be  called 
"  The    Theological  Seminary  of    the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America. 

2.  Resolved, — That  the  government  of  said  Seminary  be 
vested  in  a  Board  of  Trustees,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Gen 
eral  Convention  of  the  Church  ;  said  Board  to  consist  of 
twenty-two  members,  of  whom  the  senior  Bishop  and  the 
Bishop  of  the  Diocese  where  said  Seminary  shall  be  estab 
lished,  shall  be  two,  with  ten  clergymen  and  ten  laymen, 
and  nine  members  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 

3.  Resolved, — That  the  appointment  of  the  professors  and 
other  officers  in  said  Seminary  be  made  by  the  Board  of 
Trustees,  who  also  shall  make  by-laws  for  their  own  govern 
ment  and  that  of  the  Seminary. 

4.  Resolved, — That  once  every  year,  or  oftener,  the  said 
Board  of  Trustees  meet  in  the  said  Seminary,  to  take  cog 
nizance  of,  and  regulate  all  matters  relating  to  the  same. 

5.  Resolved, — That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  accele 
rate  the  establishment  of  this  institution,  and  to  enter  upon 


480  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1817. 

this  important  duty,  as  soon  as  in  their  judgment  sufficient 
funds,  or  a  reasonable  prospect  of  them,  will  authorize  the 
undertaking. 

6.  Resolved,— That  the  said  Seminary  be  established  at 
,  in  the  Diocese  of . 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  com 
municating  two  Canons  for  the  consideration  of  this  house, 
which  were  laid  on  the  table. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  when  this  house  adjourn,  it 
adjourn  to  meet  this  evening  at  six  o'clock. 

Adjourned. 

MONDAY,  six  o'clock  P.  M. 

The  house  met. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  Theological  Semi 
nary,  was  taken  up,  read,  and  considered  by  sections. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  com 
municating  four  resolutions  of  that  body,  on  the  subject  of 
a  Theological  Seminary,  which  was  read. 

A  communication  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  on  the  subject  of  the  French  Prayer  Book,  which  was 
laid  upon  the  table. 

The  house  adjourned  to  meet  at  eight  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


TUESDAY,  May  27,  eight  o'clock  A.  M. 

The  house  met, 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  subject  of  a  Theolo- 
logical  Seminary  was  called  up  and  read. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  further  consideration  of 
said  report  be  postponed,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  up  the 
resolutions  of  the  House  of  Bishops  on  the  same  subject. 

The  house  adjourned  to  attend  Divine  Service.  Service 
was  performed  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton,  and  a  sermon 
preached  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Croes. 

After  Divine  Service,  the  house  met,  and  proceeded  to  the 
consideration  of  the  resolutions  of  the  House  of  Bishops  on 
a  Theological  Seminary,  which,  after  discussion,  were  con 
curred  in  by  this  house.  Whereupon, 

Resolved, — That  the  resolutions  offered  by  the  committee 
of  this  house  on  the  same  subject,  be  indefinitely  postponed. 


1817.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      481 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  ac 
companying  a  Pastoral  letter. 

The  house  adjourned  to  meet  at  half  past  six  o'clock  this 
evening. 

TUESDAY,  half  past  six  o'clock  P.  M. 

The  house  met. 

The  resolutions  of  the  House  of  Bishops  on  the  subject 
of  the  French  Prayer  Book,  were  taken  up,  read,  and  con 
curred  in  by  this  house. 

A  communication  from  the  House  of  Bishops  on  the  sub 
ject  of  amusements,  was  read  before  this  house. 

Two  Canons  sent  to  this  house  yesterday  by  the  House 
of  Bishops,  one  "  to  govern  in  the  case  of  a  minister  declar 
ing  that  he  will  no  longer  be  a  minister  of  this  Church,"  and 
the  other  "for  carrying  into  effect  the  design  of  the  second 
rubric  before  the  communion  service,"  were  taken  up,  read, 
and  concurred  in  by  this  house,  and  returned  to  the  House 
of  Bishops. 

The  Pastoral  Letter  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops 
was  then  read  and  returned  to  that  house. 

This  house  received  a  report  of  the  House  of  Bishops  on 
the  subject  of  a  copy-right  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer, 
which  was  read  and  agreed  to  by  this  house. 

The  house  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  a  committee  pursu 
ant  to  the  4th  resolution  on  the  subject  of  a  Theological 
Seminary.  Upon  counting  the  ballots,  the  following  gentle 
men  were  declared  duly  elected. 

Of  the  Clergy,  The  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton,  The  Kev.  Dr. 
How,  The  Kev.  Dr.  Harris. 

Of  the  Laity,  Hon.  Rufus  King,  William  Meredith,  Esq., 
Hon.  Charles  F.  Mercer. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Wilmer's  resolution  as  to  the  place  of 
meeting  of  the  next  General  Convention,  was  taken  and 
carried,  and  the  blank  left  therein  filled  with  the  word 
"  Philadelphia." 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  House  of  Bishops  be 
requested  to  appoint  one  of  their  own  order  to  preach  a  ser 
mon  at  the  opening  of  the  next  General  Convention. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  com 
municating  the  concurrence  of  that  house  in  the  resolution 
that  the  next  General  Convention  be  holden  at  Philadel- 


482      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     1817.] 

phia  ;  and  informing  that,  with  the  divine  permission,  the 
Eight  Rev.  Bishop  Dehon  will  preach  at  the  opening  of  the 
same. 

There  was  laid  before  this  house  a  resolution  of  the  House 
of  Bishops,  to  have  the  blank  in  the  3d  resolution  on  the 
subject  of  a  Theological  Seminary  filled  with  the  word  three. 

Resolved, — That  this  House  concur  therein,  and  that  in 
formation  of  this  concurrence  be  sent  to  the  House  of 
Bishops. 

The  House  of  Bishops  communicated  to  this  house  two 
resolutions,  proposing  an  alteration  of  the  first  article  of  the 
Constitution,  so  far  as  it  regards  the  time  of  the  meeting 
of  this  Convention,  which  were  read,  and  concurred  in  by 
this  House. 

A  request  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  that 
this  House  would  appoint  a  committee  of  their  own  body, 
to  unite  with  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart,  on  the  part 
of  the  House  of  Bishops,  to  superintend  the  printing  of  the 
Journals,  Bishop  Griswold's  Sermon,  and  the  Pastoral 
Letter. 

Whereupon,  the  Rev.  Dr.  How,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rudd,  and 
Mr.  William  Ogden,  were  appointed  the  committee. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be 
presented  to  the  Right  Rev.  the  Bishops  who  have  preached 
before  this  Convention  during  the  present  session,  and  that 
they  be  requested  to  furnish  copies  of  their  sermons  for 
publication. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Searle  moved  the  following  resolution, 
which  was  read  and  passed  in  the  affirmative,  and  sent  to 
the  House  of  Bishops. 

"  Resolved, — That  the  Right  Rev.  the  House  of  Bishops 
be  respectfully  requested  to  designate  and  establish  some 
specific  edition  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  without 
note  or  comment,  to  be  considered  as  the  authentic  version 
or  standard  by  which  the  genuineness  of  all  copies  of  the  v 
Holy  Scriptures  used  by  the  members  of  this  Church,  is  to 
be  ascertained  ;  thereby,  to  secure  them  against  perversions, 
and  the  people  of  our  communion  from  error,  either  in  dis 
cipline  or  doctrine." 

The  following  communication  was  received  from  the 
House  of  Bishops: 


1817.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      483 

"  The  House  of  Bishops,  deeming  the  fulfilment  of  the 
request  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  on  the 
subject  of  an  authentic  version  of  the  Holy  Bible,  a  matter 
requiring  very  serious  attention  and  deliberation,  have  re 
solved,  that  its  members  will  give  such  attention  and  delib 
eration  to  the  subject,  previously  to  the  next  meeting  of  the 
General  Convention,  and  report  at  the  said  meeting." 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be 
presented  to  the  President,  Secretary,  and  Assistant  Secre 
tary,  for  the  services  rendered  by  them  respectively  during 
the  present  session. 

In  pursuance  of  a  request  from  this  house,  the  Bight 
Bev.  the  members  of  the  House  of  Bishops  attended  in  the 
same,  for  the  purpose  of  closiug  the  session  of  the  Conven 
tion  by  solemn  prayer,  which  was  performed  by  the  Bight 
Bev.  Bishop  White,  presiding  Bishop  ;  after  which  the 
house  adjourned  sine  die. 

Signed,  by  order  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies, 

WILLIAM  H!  WILMEB,  PRESIDENT. 
Attested,  ASHBEL  BALDWIN,  Secretary. 


JOURNAL. 

OF  THE 


IjjousF  of  {Bishops. 


"?fl.|-v  NEW  YORK,  Tuesday,  May  20,  1817, 

•)  \\  v &  being  the  day  prescribed  by  the  Constitution  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America  for  the  meeting  of  the  General 
Convention  of  the  same,  and  the  city  of  New  York  having 
been  appointed  by  the  last  Convention  as  the  place  of  meet 
ing  at  this  time,  the  Right  Rev.  William  White,  D.  D.  of 
the  Diocese  ot  Pennsylvania ;  the  Right  Rev.  John  Henry 
Hobart,  D.  D.  of  the  Diocese  of  New  York  ;  the  Right 
Rev.  Alexander  Viets  Grriswold,  D.  D.  of  the  Eastern  Dio 
cese,  (composed  of  the  States  of  New  Hampshire,  Massa 
chusetts,  Rhode  Island,  and  Vermont);  the  Right  Rev. 
Theodore  Dehon,  D.  D.  of  the  Diocese  of  South  Carolina  ; 
the  Right  Rev.  Richard  Chanriing  Moore,  D.  D.  of  the  Dio 
cese  of  Virginia  ;  the  Right  Rev.  James  Kemp,  D.  D.  of 
the  Diocese  of  Maryland  ;  and  the  Right  Rev.  John  Croes, 
D.  D.  of  the  Diocese  of  New  Jersey  ;  met  in  the  Vestry- 
Room  of  Trinity  Church  at  half  past  six  o'clock  P.  M. 

Agreeably  to  the  established  rules  of  order  of  the  House 
of  Bishops,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  White,  being  senior 
Bishop,  took  the  chair  as  presiding  Bishop  in  the  house. 

The  Rev.  Benjamin  T.  Onderdonk  was  appointed  Secre 
tary  to  the  house. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  How,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Butler,  as  a  com 
mittee  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  brought 
information  that  the  said  house  was  organized,  and  ready  to 
proceed  to  business  ;  and  they  were  requested  to  state  to 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  that  the  House  of 
Bishops  was  also  readv  to  proceed  to  business. 

484 


1817.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      485 

Resolved, — That  the  following  message  be  transmitted, 
by  the  Secretary  of  this  house,  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
'Lay  Deputies. 

The  House  of  Bishops  inform  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  that  as  they  deem  it  proper  to  have  the  busi 
ness  of  the  Convention  opened  by  the  celebration  of  divine 
service,  they  propose  an  adjournment  until  to-morrow  morn 
ing,  at  the  hour  publicly  notified  for  said  service. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  agreeing  to  the 
above  proposal,  the  House  of  Bishops  accordingly  adjourned 
until  to-morrow  morning  at  half  past  ten  o'clock. 


WEDNESDAY,  May  21. 

The  Bishops  attended  Divine  Service  in  Trinity  Church 
with  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  at  half  past 
ten  o'clock  A.  M.  Morning  Prayer  was  celebrated  by  the 
Rev.  Isaac  Wilkins,  D.  D.  of  New  York,  President  of  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  and  a  sermon,  adapted 
to  the  occasion  of  the  meeting  of  the  Convention,  was  de 
livered  by  the  Right  Rev.  Alexander  Viets  Griswold,  D.  D. 
of  the  Eastern  Diocese.  The  Holy  Communion  was  then 
administered,  agreeably  to  a  resolution  of  the  last  Conven 
tion,  by  the  Right  Rev.  the  presiding  Bishop,  assisted  by 
other  Bishops  present.  After  Divine  Service  the  house 
assembled  in  the  Vestry-Room.  Present  as  yesterday. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Harris,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Beasley,  inform 
ed  this  house,  that  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies 
had  passed  a  resolution  to  tender  the  thanks  of  this  Conven 
tion  to  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Griswold,  for  the  sermon 
preached  by  him  this  morning,  and  request  a  copy  for  publi 
cation. 

Resolved, — That  this  house  concur  with  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  in  the  above  resolution.  The 
Secretary  was  ordered  to  communicate  this  concurrence  to 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

A  communication  was  received  from  the  Secretary  of  a 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State 
of  North  Carolina,  containing  a  copy  of  the  Journal  of  said 
Convention  ;  from  which  it  appeared  that  they  had  acceded 


486      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1817. 

to  the  Constitution  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  United  States  of  America,  and  desired  to  be  received 
into  union  with  the  General  Convention  thereof. 

Whereupon,  Resolved, — That  this  Convention  have  re 
ceived  with  great  satisfaction  the  aforesaid  communication, 
and  recognize  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State 
of  North  Carolina  as  a  member  of  this  union. 

Resolved, — That  the  foregoing  resolution  be  sent  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  for  their  concurrence ; 
and  that  the  documents  from  North  Carolina  be  also  sent  to 
that  house. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Beasley,  stating,  that  they 
were  ready  to  adjourn  until  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  this  house  adjourn  until  the 
same  time. 

Adjourned  accordingly. 


THURSDAY,  May  22. 

The  house  met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  Present  as 
yesterday.  The  minutes  of  the  proceedings  on  Tuesday  and 
Wednesday  were  read,  and  approved. 

The  following  communication  was  received  from  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  by  the  Rev.  Dr 
Wharton  : 

"  The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  concur  with 
the  House  of  Bishops,  in  admitting  the  Convention  of  the 
Church  in  North  Carolina  as  a  member  of  this  union." 

Resolved, — That  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies 
be  informed  that  this  house  is  ready  to  adjourn  for  the  at 
tendance  of  the  Bishops  on  public  worship. 

Adjourned  accordingly. 

Morning  Prayer  was  celebrated  by  the  Rev.  Frederic 
Beasley,  D.  D,  of  Pennsylvania;  and  a  sermon  preached 
by  the  Right  Rev.  the  presiding  Bishop.  After  which  the 
house  again  met.  Present  as  before. 

The  following  report,  with  documents  accompanying, 
was  made  by  the  presiding  Bishop,  upon  the  subjects  there 
in  mentioned,  which  had  been  submitted  to  him  by  the 
Convention. 


1817.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      487 

REPORT. 

The  subscriber,  the  presiding  Bishop  of  this  house,  sub 
mits  to  his  brethren  a  report,  on  two  subjects  committed 
to  him  by  the  General  Convention  of  1811,  and  recognized 
by  that  of  1814  ;  and  on  another  subject,  which  originated 
in  the  Convention  the  last  referred  to. 

One  of  the  subjects  was  an  application  from  the  Church 
in  the  State  of  Vermont,  to  the  Soicety  ( in  England )  for 
Propagating  the  Gospel.  It  was  committed  to  the  subcri- 
ber,  to  certify  to  that  venerable  body,  certain  facts  in  favour 
of  the  application.  At  the  time  of  the  last  General  Conven 
tion,  he  had  not  been  furnished  with  the  necessary  docu 
ments  ;  there  having  been  an  intended  delay  of  the  design, 
owing  to  the  circumstances  of  the  public  concerns.  The 
desire  of  the  Convention  has  been  since  complied  with  ;  and 
the  necessary  communications  were  sent  by  the  Honorable 
and  Rev.  Mr.  Stewart,  lately  of  the  Province  of  Quebec,  on 
his  return  to  England. 

The  next  subject  was  the  taking  of  preparatory  measures 
for  the  organizing  of  the  Church  in  the  States,  and  parts  of 
States,  westward  of  the  Alleghany  mountains.  The  sub 
scriber  has  had  some  correspondence  on  the  subject;  and 
has  provided,  so  far  as  is  in  his  power,  for  a  comprehension 
of  the  counties  of  Pennsylvania  westward  of  said  moun 
tains,  under  the  projected  organization  ;  although  on  such 
terms  as  shall  not  destroy  the  unity  of  the  Church  in  that 
State.  Relatively  to  the  contemplated  measure,  there  have 
been  sent  to  the  subscriber  sundry  documents  from  the 
Western  States,  herewith  delivered.  It  is  understood,  that 
there  is  now  in  this  city,  a  lay  gentleman,  commissioned  to 
confer  with  the  Convention  on  their  contents. 

The  last  subject  referred  to,  is  the  republication  of  the 
Journals,  with  the  Constitution,  the  Canons,  and  the 
Pastoral  Letters,  under  the  superintendence  of  the  subcrib- 
er.  This  has  been  accomplished  in  an  octavo  volume,  by 
Mr.  John  Bioren,  bookseller,  of  Philadelphia.  A  considera 
ble  number  of  the  books  is  now  for  sale  in  this  city,  in  the 
hands  of  Messrs.  Swords,  booksellers.  It  is  to  be  hoped, 
that  the  members  of  this  Convention  either  have  taken,  or 
will  take  such  measures  in  the  States  to  which  they  re- 


488      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1817. 

spectively  belong,  as  may  prevent  Mr.  Bioren  from  suffer 
ing  loss,  and  even  ensure  to  him  a  gain,  from  this  his 
exertion  to  serve  the  Church. 

WILLIAM  WHITE. 

Whereupon,  Resolved — That  the  thanks  of  the  Conven 
tion  be  presented  to  the  presiding  Bishop,  for  his  attention 
to  these  subjects,  and  his  communication  now  made  con 
cerning  them. 

Among  the  documents  accompanying  the  above  commu 
nications,  were  petitions  from  several  congregations  and 
Episcopalians  inhabiting  the  western  country,  asking  leave 
to  form  a  Convention,  to  include,  for  the  present,  all  the 
western  country,  to  be  placed,  provisionally,  under  the  care 
of  the  Bishop  of  Pennsylvania. 

Whereupon,  Resolved, — That  the  General  Convention 
cherish  a  lively  interest  in  the  spiritual  concerns  of  their 
brethren  in  the  western  country,  and  are  exceedingly  solici 
tous  to  extend  among  them  the  ministrations  of  our  Church. 

Resolved, — That  it  is  expedient  to  enact  the  following 
Canon  : 

"  A  Canon  limiting  the  operation  of  the  2d  and  37th 
Canons."  * 

Resolved, — That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Episcopal 
congregations  in  the  States  referred  to  in  the  above  com 
munications,  where  Conventions  are  not  already  organized, 
to  organize  Conventions,  which  may  be  received  into  union 
with  this  Convention,  and,  when  expedient,  may  unite, 
according  to  the  Canons,  in  the  choice  of  a  Bishop,  having 
jurisdiction  over  those  States ;  and  that  this  Convention 
have  received  with  much  satisfaction  information  of  the 
measures  which  have  been  already  adopted  in  the  State  of 
Ohio,  for  the  organization  of  the  Church  in  that  State. 

Resolved, — That  though  the  measure  of  a  Convention 
comprising  sundry  States  in  the  western  country,  may  be  a 
measure  of  temporary  expediency,  it  cannot  be  authorized 
by  this  Convention  consistently  with  the  general  Constitu 
tion  of  the  Church,  which  recognizes  only  a  Convention  of 
the  Church  in  each  State. 

/ 

*  The  Canon  is  published,  with  the  others  passed  at  this  session,  at  the 
end  of  the  Journal. 


1817.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      489 

Resolved, — That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  the 
authorities  of  this  Church,  in  each  State  respectively,  to 
adopt  measures  for  sending  Missionaries  to  our  destitute 
brethren  in  the  Western  States.  Such  Missionaries  to  be 
subject  to  the  direction  of  the  ecclesiastical  authority  of  the 
State  or  States  in  which  they  may  officiate. 

Resolved, — That  the  presiding  Bishop  be  requested  to 
transmit  the  foregoing  resolutions  to  such  person  or  persons 
as  he  may  judge  proper. 

The  following  communication  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies  was  handed  to  this  House  by  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Wilkins :—  • 

"  The  Rev.  Dr.  Wilkins  was  appointed  a  committee,  to 
unite  with  a  committee  on  the  part  of  the  House  of  Bishops, 
to  receive  from  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Griswold  the  copy  of 
his  sermon  preached  before  the  Convention  vesterday  morn- 

ing." 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart  was  appointed  the  com 
mittee  of  this  house  for  the  above  mentioned  purpose. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Rudd  appeared  from  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  with  information  that  that  body  were 
ready  to  adjourn  until  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Resolved, — That  this  house  adjourn  until  the  same  time. 

Adjourned  accordingly. 


FRIDAY,  May  23. 

The  house  met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  Present  as 
yesterday. 

The  minutes  of  the  proceedings  yesterday  were  read  and 
approved. 

The  report  of  the  presiding  Bishop,  which  was  yesterday 
read,  together  with  the  documents  accompanying,  and  the 
resolutions  founded  thereon,  was  transmitted  to  the  House 
of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

Resolved, — That  this  house  adjourn  for  the  purpose  of 
attending  Divine  Service;  and  that  notice  of  this  resolution 
be  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

Notice  was  accordingly  sent  and  the  house  adjourned. 

Morning  prayer  was  celebrated  by  the  Rev.  William  H. 


490      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1817. 

Wilmer,  of  Virginia,  President  of  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  and  a  sermon  preached  by  the  Right 
Rev.  Theodore  Dehon,  D.  D.,  of  South  Carolina. 

After  which  the  house  again  met.     Present  as  before. 

The  following  communication  was  handed  to  the  house 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rudd  : — 

"  The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  respectfully 
inform  the  House  of  Bishops,  that  they  have  concurred  in 
the  adoption  of  the  'Canon  limiting  the  2d  and  37th 
Canons ; '  and  that  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies 
concur  in  the  resolutions  accompanying  said  Canon." 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  through  the  Rev.  Mr.  Baldwin,  informing 
that  that  house  was  ready  to  adjourn  until  to-morrow  morn 
ing  at  nine  o'clock. 

Resolved,— That  this  house  adjourn  until  the  same  hour. 

Adjourned  accordingly. 


SATURDAY,  May  24. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 

The  minutes  of  the  proceedings  yesterday  were  read,  and 
approved. 

Agreeably  to  a  resolution  of  the  last  General  Convention, 
referring  it  to  the  Bishops,  and,  where  there  are  no  Bishops, 
to  the  Standing  Committees,  to  inquire  in  the  respective 
Dioceses  or  States,  and  to  consider  for  themselves  concern 
ing  the  expediency  of  establishing  a  Theological  Seminary, 
to  be  conducted  under  the  authority  of  this  Church,  and  to 
report  to  this  Convention; — the  Bishops  composing  this 
house,  rendered  their  respective  reports. 

Resolved, — That  this  house  adjourn  for  the  purpose  of 
attending  Divine  Service;  and  that  information  of  this  res 
olution  be  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

Adjourned  accordingly. 

Morning  prayer  was  celebrated  by  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris, 
of  Virginia,  and  a  sermon  preached  by  the  Right  Rev. 
Richard  C.  Moore,  D.  D.,  of  the  same  Diocese. 

The  house  then  again  assembled  for  business. 

The  reports  of  the  Bishops  on  the  subject  of  a  Theological 


1817.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      491 

Seminary  were  transmitted  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies. 

Resolved, — That  a  committee  of  this  house  be  appointed 
to  take  into  consideration  the  "table  of  kindred  and 
affinity"  on  the  subject  of  marriage,  established  by  the 
civil  and  ecclesiastical  laws  of  England,  and  to  report  to  the 
next  Convention. 

Resolved, — That  said  committee  consist  of  the  presiding 
Bishop  and  two  other  members  of  this  house. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Kemp,  and  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Croes,  were  accordingly  appointed. 

Resolved, — That  the  following  be  entered  on  the  Journal 
of  this  house,  and  be  communicated  to  the  House  of  Cler 
ical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  House  of  Bishops,  impressed  with  the  importance  of 
informing  the  youth  and  others  in  the  Doctrines,  Constitu 
tion,  and  Liturgy  of  the  Church,  deem  it  their  duty  to  call 
the  attention  of  the  Clergy  to  the  22d  Canon,  which  enjoins 
on  them  diligence  in  catechetical  instruction  and  lectures. 
The  Bishops  consider  these  as  among  the  most  important 
duties  of  clergymen,  and  among  the  most  effectual  means 
of  promoting  religious  knowledge  and  practical  piety. 

Resolved, — That  the  house  adjourn  until  Monday  morn 
ing,  nine  o'clock ;  and  that  information  of  this  resolution 
be  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

Adjourned  accordingly. 


MONDAY,  May  26. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  on  Saturday. 

The  minutes  of  the  proceedings  on  Saturday  were  read, 
and  approved. 

The  presiding  Bishop  read  a  letter  from  Mr.  A.  Robert 
son,  Secretary  of  the  American  Academy  of  the  Fine  Arts, 
directed  to  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart,  and  enclosing 
tickets  of  admission  to  the  exhibition  of  the  gallery  of  said 
Academy,  sent  by  order  of  the  President  and  Board  of  Di 
rectors  of  the  same,  to  the  members  of  this  house,  with  an 
invitation  to  them  to  visit  the  gallery  as  often  as  convenient 
during  their  stay  in  this  city. 


492      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1817. 

Whereupon,  -Resolved, — That  the  Eight  Rev.  Bishop 
Hobart  be  requested  to  present,  through  Mr.  Robertson,  to 
the  President  and  Directors  of  the  Academy,  the  acknowl 
edgements  of  the  members  of  this  house ;  and  an  assurance 
of  the  pleasure  it  will  afford  them,  should  the  business  of 
the  Convention  permit,  to  avail  themselves  of  their  polite 
invitation. 

"A  Canon  to  govern  in  the  case  of  a  minister  declaring 
that  he  will  no  longer  be  a  minister  of  this  Church,"  was 
proposed  and  adopted. 

Resolved, — That  the  house  adjourn  for  the  purpose  of 
attending  Divine  Service ;  and  that  information  of  this  step 
be  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

Adjourned  accordingly. 

Morning  prayer  was  celebrated  by  the  Rev.  William  E. 
Wyatt,  of  Maryland,  and  a  sermon  preached  by  the  Right 
Rev.  James  Kemp,  D.  D.,  of  the  same  Diocese. 

After  which  the  house  again  met.     Present  as  before. 

"A  Canon  for  carrying  into  effect  the  design  of  the  sec 
ond  "  Rubric  before  the  Communion  Service  "  was  proposed 
and  adopted. 

This,  together  with  the  other  Canon  passed  this  morning, 
was  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  for 
their  concurrence. 

The  report  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies 
on  the  state  of  the  Church,  sent  to  this  house,  agreeably  to 
the  requisitions  of  the  45th  Canon,  was  read,  and  commit 
ted  to  the  Right  Rev.  the  presiding  Bishop,  with  a  request 
that  he  would  draw  up  the  Pastoral  Letter  of  this  house, 
contemplated  by  the  said  Canon,  and  requested  by  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

After  which,  on  information  that  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies  had  adjourned  until  six  o'clock  this 
evening, 

Resolved, — That  this  house  adjourn  until  the  same  time. 

Adjourned  accordingly. 

Six  o'clock,  P.  M. 

The  house  met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  Present  as 
before. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart  stated  to  the  house,  that 


1817.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       493 

there  is  in  the  city  of  New  York  the  Church  du  St.  Esprit, 
which  was  erected  in  an  early  period  of  the  province,  by 
Protestant  emigrants  from  the  kingdom  of  France.  It 
appears  that  the  Church  is  now  under  the  superintendence 
of  Bishop  Hobart — that  there  is  still  a  portion  of  the  con 
gregation  who  worship  in  the  French  language — that  he 
has  lately  ordained,  and  instituted  as  their  Rector,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Peneveyre,  a  native  of  Switzerland,  and  that  this  cler 
gyman  officiates  according  to  a  French  translation  of  the 
Liturgy  of  this  Church. 

Whereupon,  Resolved, — That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart  to  cause  the  said  French  Liturgy 
to  be  examined,  in  order  to  ascertain  how  far  the  translation 
is  correct;  and  to  confirm  the  use  thereof,  with  such  amend 
ments  and  improvements  as  the  case  may  call  for;  and  to 
declare  it  to  be  the  Liturgy  which  may  be  used  by  any  min 
ister  of  this  Church  who  may  officiate  in  a  congregation  to 
whom  the  French  language  is  familiar. 

Resolved, — That  the  above  provision  be  extended  to  a 
translation  in  the  French  language  of  the  Book  of  Psalms 
and  Hymns  in  metre,  and  of  any  of  the  Offices  comprehend 
ed  in  the  worship  of  this  Church. 

The  above  resolutions  were  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies  for  their  concurrence. 

The  following  resolutions  were  then  proposed  and  adopt 
ed: 

Resolved, — That  it  is  expedient  to  establish,  for  the  bet 
ter  education  of  the  candidates  for  holy  orders  in  this 
Church,  a  general  Theological  Seminary,  which  may  have 
the  united  support  of  the  whole  Church  in  these  United 
States,  and  be  under  the  superintendence  and  control  of  the 
General  Convention. 

Resolved, — That  this  seminary  be  located  in  the  city  of 
New  York. 

Resolved, — That persons  be  appointed  by  the  House 

of  Bishops  to  visit  the  several  parts  of  the  United  States, 
and  solicit  contributions  towards  funds  for  founding  and  en 
dowing  such  an  institution. 

Resolved, — That  a  Committee  be  appointed,  to  consist  of 
the  presiding  Bishop,  and  the  Bishops  of  this  Church  in 
New  York  and  New  Jersey,  with  three  clergymen,  and  three 


494  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.          [1817. 

laymen,  to  be  appointed  by  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies;  which  committee  shall  be  empowered  to  receive 
and  manage  such  funds  as  shall  be  collected — to  devise  a 
plan  for  establishing  and  carrying  into  operation  such  an  in 
stitution;  which  plan  shall  be  communicated  to  the  several 
Bishops  of  this  Church — and  in  the  event  of  sufficient 
funds  being t obtained,  if  a  majority  of  the  Bishops  shall 
have  approved  the  plan,' to  carry  it  into  immediate  operation. 

These  resolutions  were  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  for  their  concurrence. 

And  this  house  adjourned  until  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


TUESDAY^  May  27. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 

Kesolved, — That  the  following  be  entered  on  the  Journal 
of  this  house,  and  be  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  to  be  read  therein : — 

The  House  of  Bishops,  solicitous  for  the  preservation  of 
the  purity  of  the  Church,  and  the  piety  of  its  members,  are 
induced  to  impress  upon  the  clergy  the  important  duty, 
with  a  discreet  but  earnest  zeal,  of  warning  the  people  of 
their  respective  cures,  of  the  danger  of  an  indulgence  in 
those  worldly  pleasures  which  may  tend  to  withdraw  the 
affections  from  spiritual  things.  And  especially  on  the  sub 
ject  of  gaming,  of  amusements  involving  cruelty  to  the 
brute  creation,  and  of  theatrical  representations,  to  which 
some  peculiar  circumstances  have  called  their  attention, — 
they  do  not  hesitate  to  express  their  unanimous  opinion, 
that  these  amusements,  as  well  from  their  licentious  tend 
ency,  as  from  the  strong  temptations  to  vice  which  they 
afford,  ought  not  to  be  frequented.  And  the  Bishops 
cannot  refrain  from  expressing  their  deep  regret  at  the 
information  that  in  some  of  our  large  cities,  so  little  respect 
is  paid  to  the  feelings  of  the  members  of  the  Church,  that 
theatrical  representations  are  fixed  for  the  evenings  of  her 
most  solemn  festivals. 

A  copy  of  the  foregoing  was  accordingly  sent  to  the  House 
of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 


1817.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      495 

Kesolved, — That  this  house  adjourn  for  the  purpose  of 
attending  Divine  Service;  and  that  information  of  this  step 
be  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

Adjourned  accordingly. 

Morning  Prayer  was  celebrated  by  the  Rev.  Charles  H. 
Wharton,  D.  D.,  of  New  Jersey,  and  a  sermon  preached  by 
the  Right  Rev.  John  Croes,  D.  D.,  of  the  same  Diocese. 

The  house  then  again  assembled.     Present  as  before. 

The  Minutes  of  the  proceedings  yesterday  were  read  and 
approved. 

The  presiding  Bishop  proposed  a  Pastoral  Letter  to  the 
members  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States — which  Letter  was  unanimously  adopted  by  this 
house,  to  be  published  agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  the 
45th  Canon;  and  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies. 

Agreeably  to  a  reference  made  to  the  members  of  this 
house  by  the  last  General  Convention,  to  consider  the  pro 
priety  of  granting  a  copy-right  in  the  Book  of  Common 
Prayer,  the  following  report  was  adopted,  and  sent  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies : — 

The  House  of  Bishops,  on  the  subject  referred  to  them  by 
the  last  General  Convention,  relatively  to  the  granting  of  a 
copy-right  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  report  as  their 
opinion,  and  as  the  opinion  prevalent  in  their  respective 
Dioceses,  so  far  as  they  are  informed,  that  the  said  measure 
ought  not  to  be  adopted. 

The  two  following  resolutions  were  adopted  and  ordered 
to  be  s,ent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies : — 

Resolved, — That  it  is  expedient  to  alter  the  first  article 
of  the  Constitution  of  this  Church,  so  far  as  it  fixes  the 
time  of  the  meeting  of  the  General  Convention  thereof,  by 
striking  out  the  words — "third  Tuesday  in  May,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  1808,  and  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  May;"  and 
inserting  instead  thereof,  the  words— -first  Tuesday  in  Octo 
ber,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1823,  and  on  the  first  Tuesday 
in  October. 

Resolved, — That  in  conformity  with  the  9th  article  of  the 
Constitution,  the  Secretaries  of  this  Convention,  after  the 
adjournment  thereof,  make  known  the  proposed  alteration 
to  the  several  State  Conventions. 


496  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1817. 

It  was  then  Resolved, — That  this  house  adjourn  until 
half  past  six  o'clock  this  evening,  and  that  information 
thereof  be  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

Half  past  six  o'clock,  P.  M. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  before. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  communicating  the  concurrence  of  that 
house  in  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Bishops,  on  the  sub 
ject  of  a  Theological  Seminary — in  the  report  of  the  House 
of  Bishops  on  the  subject  of  a  copy-right  in  the  Book  of 
Common  Prayer — and  in  the  resolutions  of  the  House  of 
Bishops  on  the  subject  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  in 
the  French  language. 

A  Canon  "  to  govern  in  the  case  of  a  minister  declaring 
that  he  will  no  longer  be  a  minister  of  this  Church;"  and  a 
Canon  "for  carrying  into  effect  the  design  of  the  second 
Rubric  before  the  Communion  Service;"  which  were  adopt 
ed  yesterday  in  this  house,  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Cler 
ical  and  Lay  Deputies,  were  received  from  that  house  with 
the  concurrence  of  the  same. 

Resolved, — That  the  blank  in  the  third  resolution  on  the 
subject  of  a  Theological  Seminary,  be  filled  with  the  word 
three. 

This  resolution  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  and  returned  with  their  concurrence. 

Whereupon,  Resolved, — That  this  house  proceed  now  to 
the  appointments  contemplated  by  the  third  resolution  on 
the  subject  of  a  Theological  Seminary.  , 

Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  Daniel  Burhans,  of  Newtown, 
in  Connecticut,  be  appointed  to  visit  the  States  of  New 
Hampshire,  Massachusetts,  Vermont,  Rhode  Island,  and 
Connecticut;  that  the  Rev.  Nathaniel  Bowen,  D.  D.,  of  the 
city  of  New  York,  be  appointed  to  visit  the  States  of  New 
York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware  and  Maryland; 
— and  that  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  of  Alexandria,  in 
the  District  of  Columbia,  be  appointed  to  visit  the  States 
of  Virginia,  North  Corolina,  South  Carolina,  and  Georgia; 
to  solicit  contributions  for  the  founding  and  endowing  of  the 
Theological  Seminary  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  United  States  of  America. 


1817.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      497 

Resolved, — That  the  above  gentlemen  be  furnished  by 
the  presiding  Bishop  each  with  a  certificate  of  his  appoint 
ment,  and  a  copy  of  the  resolutions  of  the  Convention  on 
this  subject;  and  further,  that  they  be  authorized  to  defray 
their  expenses  from  the  monies  which  they  may  obtain  for 
the  promotion  of  the  business  committed  to  them,  and  that 
they  render  a  detailed  account  of  their  receipts  and  expend 
itures  to  the  committee  who  have  care  of  this  business. 

Resolved, — That  in  the  event  of  either  of  the  above  gen 
tlemen  declining  his  appointment,  or  being  removed  from 
opportunity  to  discharge  its  duties,  by  death,  his  place  may 
be  filled  by  the  above  mentioned  committee. 

Resolved, — That  the  gentlemen  hereby  appointed,  or 
substitutes  which  may  be  chosen  agreeably  to  the  last  reso 
lution,  shall  be  subject  to  any  instruction  or  advice  which 
the  committee  above  mentioned  may  deem  it  expedient  to 
give. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  be  requested  to  appoint  a  committee  on  the 
part  of  that  house,  to  unite  with  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Hobart,  on  the  part  of  this  house,  to  superintend  the  print 
ing  of  the  Journal  of  this  Convention,  the  Pastoral  Letter 
of  the  House  of  Bishops,  and  the  Sermon  of  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Griswold. 

This  resolution  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  who  returned  for  answer,  that  they  had  appointed 
the  Rev.  Dr.  How,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rudd,  and  Mr.  William 
Ogden,  for  the  purpose  specified. 

The  following  extract  from  the  Journal  of  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  was  received  from  that  house, 
and  read  : — 

"  On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house 
be  presented  to  the  Right  Rev.  the  Bishops  who  have 
preached  before  this  Convention  during  the  present  session-, 
and  that  they  be  requested  to  furnish  copies  of  their  sermons 
for  publication." 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  communicating  two  resolutions — the  first, 
that  the  House  of  Bishops  be  requested  to  appoint  one  of 
their  own  order  to  preach  at  the  opening  of  the  next  Gen 
eral  Convention; — and  the  second,  that  the  next  session  of 
the  General  Convention  be  holden  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 


498      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1817. 

The  Secretary  of  this  house  was  directed  to  inform  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  that  with  the  Divine 
permission,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Dehon  will  preach  at  the 
opening  of  the  next  General  Convention;  and  that  this 
house  concur  in  the  resolution,  to  hold  the  meeting  of  said 
Convention  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  informed  this 
house,  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton,  the  Rev.  Dr.  How,  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Harris,  the  Hon.  Rufus  King,  William  Meredith, 
Esq.,  and  the  Hon.  Charles  F.  Mercer,  had  been  appointed, 
agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  the  fourth  resolution,  on  the 
subject  of  a  Theological  Seminary. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  with  information  that  that  house  concurred 
in  the  proposed  alteration  to  the  first  article  of  the  Con 
stitution. 

The  following  extract  from  the  Journal  of  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  was  received  by  this  house  and 
read : — 

"  Resolved, — That  the  Right  Rev.  the  House  of  Bishops 
be  respectfully  requested  to  designate  and  establish  some 
specific  edition  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  without 
note  or  comment,  to  be  considered  as  the  authentic  version 
or  standard  by  which  the  genuineness  of  all  copies  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures  used  by  the  members  of  this  Church,  is  to 
be  ascertained;  thereby,  to  secure  them  against  perversions, 
and  the  people  of  our  communion  from  error,  either  in  dis 
cipline  or  doctrine." 

Whereupon,  the  following  resolution  was  adopted,  and  or 
dered  to  be  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  House  of  Bishops,  deeming  the  fulfilment  of  the 
request  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  on  the 
subject  of  an  authentic  version  of  the  Holy  Bible,  a  matter 
requiring  very  serious  attention  and  deliberation,  resolve, 
that  its  members  will  give  such  attention  and  deliberation  to 
the  subject,  previously  to  the  next  meeting  of  the  General 
Convention,  and  report  at  the  said  meeting. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  with  information  that  that  house  was  ready 
to  rise,  and  requested  the  House  of  Bishops  to  unite  with 
them  in  closing  the  session  of  the  Convention  with  solemn 
Prayer. 


1817.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      499 

Kesolved, — That  this  house  will  attend  in  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  for  the  purpose  specified  in  the 
above  message. 

The  presiding  Bishop  officiated,  by  the  use  of  several  ap 
propriate  Prayers  and  Collects  of  the  Liturgy;  and  dismissed 
the  members  of  the  Convention  with  the  Blessing. 

After  which  the  house  adjourned  sine  die. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Bishops. 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.  D., 

PRESIDING  BISHOP. 

Attested :  BENJAMIN  T.  ONDERDONK,  Secretary. 


mans 

PASSED  IN  GENERAL  CONVENTION,  1817. 

CANON  I. — Limiting  the  Operation  of  the  second  and  the 
thirty-seventh  Canons. 

In  the  event  of  their  being  a  Bishop  consecrated  for  any  State  or  States 
westward  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains,  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  Episcopal 
congregations  in  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  westward  of  the  said  mount 
ains,  or  for  those  of  either  of  the  said  States,  to  place  themselves,  with  the 
consent  of  the  Bishops  of  these  States  respectively,  under  the  provisionary 
superintendence  of  the  Bishop  the  first  referred  to ;  the  thirty-seventh 
Canon  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.  Further;  it  shall  be  lawful  for 
such  congregations  in  Pennsylvania,  and  for  those  in  Virginia,  the  ma 
jority  in  each  case  concurring,  to  unite  in  Convention  with  the  Church  in 
any  western  State  or  States.  These  provisions  are  to  cease  whenever  the 
consent  for  the  continuance  of  them  on  the  part  of  the  Bishop  of  the 
Church  in  Pennsylvania  or  in  Virginia,  as  the  case  may  be,  with  the  ap 
probation  of  the  General  Convention,  shall  be  withdrawn.  In  the  case 
above  referred  to.  the  number  of  Clergymen  specified  in  the  second  Canon 
shall  not  be  requisite. 

CANON  II. — To  govern  in  the  Case  of  a  Minister  declaring 
that  he  will  no  longer  be  a  Minister  of  this  Church. 

If  any  minister  of  this  Church  shall  declare  to  the  Bishop  of  the  Dio 
cese  to  which  he  belongs,  or  to  any  Ecclesiastical  authority  for  the  trial 
of  clergymen,  or,  where  there  is  no  Bishop,  to  the  Standing  Committee, 
his  renunciation  of  the  ministry,  and  his  design  not  to  officiate  in  future 
in  any  of  the  offices  thereof;  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Bishop,  or,  where 
there  is  no  Bishop,  of  the  Standing  Committee,  to  record  the  declaration 
go  made.  And  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Bishop  to  admonish  or  to  BUS- 


500  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.         [1817, 

pend  him,  and  to  pronounce  and  record,  in  the  presence  of  two  or  three 
clergymen,  that  the  person  so  declaring  has  been  admonished,  or  suspend 
ed,  or  displaced  from  his  grade  of  the  ministry  in  this  Church.  In  any 
Diocese  in  which  there  is  no  Bishop,  the  same  sentence  may  be  pronounced 
by  the  Bishop  of  any  other  Diocese,  invited  by  the  Standing  Committee  to 
attend  for  that  purpose.  In  the  case  of  displacing  from  the  ministry  as 
above  provided  for,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Bishop  to  give  notice  there 
of  to  every  Bishop  of  this  Church,  and  to  the  Standing  Committee  in 
every  Diocese  wherein  there  is  no  Bishop. 

CANON  III. — For  carrying  into  Effect  the  design  of  the 
second  Kubric  before  the  Communion  Service. 

There  being  the  provision  in  the  second  Rubric  before  the  Communion 
Service,  requiring  that  every  minister  repelling  from  the  Communion, 
shall  give  an  account  of  the  same  to  the  ordinary ;  it  is  hereby  provided, 
that  on  the  information  to  the  effect  stated  being  laid  before  the  ordinary, 
that  is  the  Bishop,  it  shall  not  be  his  duty  to  institute  an  inquiry,  unless 
there  be  complaint  made  to  him  in  writing  by  the  expelled  party.  But  on 
receiving  complaint,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Bishop  to  institute  an  in 
quiry,  as  may  be  directed  by  the  Canons  of  the  Diocese  in  which  the  event 
has  taken  place.  And  the  notice  given  as  above  by  the  minister  shall  be 
a  sufficient  presentation  of  the  party  expelled,  for  the  purpose  of  trial. 

Done  in  General  Convention,  at  New  York,  in  the  month  of  May,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  1817. 

Br  OEDEE  OF  THE  HOUSE  OP  BISHOPS  : 
WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.D., 

PRESIDING  BISHOP. 
Attested :  BENJAMIN  T.  ONDEEDONK,  Secretary. 

BY  OEDEP.  or  THE  HOUSE  OP  CLEEICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES. 

WILLIAM  H.  WILMEB,  PBESIDENT. 
Attested:  ASHBEL  BALDWIN,  Secretary. 


ojf 


OF   THE 


PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH 

In  the  United  States  of  America. 

Delivered  in,  and  published  agreeably  to  the  41st  Canon. 


EASTERN  DIOCESE. 

Composed  of  the  States  of  New  Hampshire,  Massachusetts,  Vermont,  and 

Rhode  Island. 

The  Right  Rev.  Alexander  Viets  Griswold,  D.  D.,  Bishop. 
NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

The  Rev.  Charles  Burroughs,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Portsmouth. 
The  Rev.  John  H.  Fowle,  Rector  of  — —  Church,  Holderness. 
The  Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  Rector  of  Union  Church,  Claremont. 
The  Rev.  Joseph   R.   Andrus,   Missionary  in   Concord,   Hopkinton,   and 
Bradford. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  Rev.  John  S.  J.  Gardiner,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Boston. 

The  Rev.  Asa  Eaton,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Boston,  St.  Mary's,  Newton, 
and  Christ  Church,  Cambridge. 

The  Rev.  James  Morss,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Newburyport. 

The  Rev.  Amos  Pardee,  Rector  of  St.  Luke's  Church,  Lanesborough. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Griswold,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  Great  Barring- 
ton,  and Church.  Lenox. 

The  Rev.  Titus  Strong,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  Greenfield. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Carlile,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Salem. 

The  Rev.  George  S.  White,  Missionary  in  Bridgewater,  and  other  places,  j 

The  Rev.  Chever  Felch,  Deacon,  Chaplain  in  the  Navy,  residing  at  Boston, 
and  occasionally  officiating  in  vacant  churches. 

The  Rev.  Gideon  W.  Olney,  Deacon,  Minister  of  St.  Ann's  Church,  Gar 
diner. 

The  Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith,  Deacon,  Minister  of  St.  Andrew's  Church, 
Hanover. 

The  Rev.  William  Montague,  residing  at  Dedham. 

The  Rev.  James  Bowers. 

501 


502  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.          [1817. 

VERMONT. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Manchester  and  Arlington. 

The  Rev.  Stephen  Beach,  Deacon,  Fairfield,  Sheldon,  and  St.  Albans. 

The  Rev.  George  T.  Chapman,  Deacon,  Minister  of  Trinity  Church,  Rut 
land,  and  Immanuel  Church,  Bellows'  Falls. 

The  Rev.  George  Leonard,  Deacon,  officiating  in  the  eastern  parts  of  the 
State. 

RHODE-ISLAND. 

The  Right  Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Michael's 

Church,  Bristol. 

The  Rev.  Nathan  B.  Crocker,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Providence. 
The  Rev.  Salmon  Wheaton,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Newport. 
The  Rev.  John  L.  Blake,  Rector  of  St.  Paul  s  Church,  North  Providence. 

CONNECTICUT. 

The  Right  Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart,   D.  D.,  of  New  York,  performing 

Episcopal  offices  under  the  20th  Canon  of  the  General  Convention, 

by  invitation  of  the  Convention  of  the  Diocese. 
The  Rev.  Richard  Mansfield,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Derby,  and 

Church,  Great  Hill.  ' 

The  Rev.  John  Tyler,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Norwich. 

The  Rev.  William  Smith,  D.  D.,  residing  at  Milford. 

The  Rev.  Philo  Shelton,   Rector  of   St.  John's  Church,   Stratfield,   and 

Trinity  Church  Fairfield. 

The  Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Stratford. 
The  Rev.  Tillotson  Brownson,  D.D.,  Principal  of  the  Episcopal  Academy, 

Cheshire. 

The  Rev.  Chauncy  Prindle,  residing  at  Oxford. 

The  Rev.  Reuben  Ives,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Cheshire  and  officiat 
ing  in  the  Churches  in  Hamden,  Wallingford,  Southington   and 

Meriden. 

The  Rev.  Truman  Marsh,  Rector  of  the  Associated  Churches  in  Litchfield. 
The  Rev.  Daniel  Burhans,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Newtown. 
The  Rev.  Solomon  Blakesly,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  New  London. 
The  Rev.  Smith  Miles,  Rector  of  the  Churches  at  Chatham  and  Glasten- 

bury. 
The  Rev.  Menzies  Rayner,  Rector  of  the  Churches  in  Huntington. 

The  Rev.  Calvin  White,  Assistant  Minister  of Church,  Derby. 

The  RPV.  Roger  Searle,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Plymouth. 
The  Rev.  Asa  Cornwal,  Assistant  in  the  Episcopal  Academy,  Cheshire. 
The  Rev.   Jonathan    Judd,   Rector   of   the    Churches   in   Stamford    and 

Horseneck. 
The  Rev.  Elijah  G.  Plnmb,  Minister  of  the  Churches  in  Branford,  East 

Haven,  North  Branford  and  Northford. 
The  Rev.  Benjamin  Benham,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  New  Milford, 

and  the  Churches  of  Bridgewater  and  Brookfield. 
The  Rev.  David  Baldwin,   Rector  of  the  Churches  of  Guilford,   North 

Guilford  and  North  Bristol. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  D.  Wilton,  Minister  of  Trinity  Church,  Trumbull. 
The  Rev.  Isaac  Jones,  Assistant  Minister  of  the  Churches  in  Litchfield. 

The  Rev.  Sturges  Gilbert,  Minister  of  Church,  Woodbury. 

The  Rev.  Nathaniel   Huse,  Minister  of    the  Churches   in   Simsbury   and 

Qranby. 


1817.]   JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      503 

The  Rev.  Frederick  Holcomb,  Minister  of  the  Churches   in  Watertown 

and  Northfield. 

The  Rev.  Birdsey  G.  Nobles,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Middletown. 
The  Rev.  Jasper  D.  Jones,  residing  at  Simsbury. 
The  Rev.  Harry  Croswell,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New  Haven. 
The  Rev.  Reuben  Hubbard,  Rector  of  the  Churches  in  Danbury,  Reading, 

and  Ridgefield. 

The  Rev.  Reuben  Sherwood,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Norwalk. 
The  Rev.  Aaron  Humphrey,  Rector  of  the  Churches  in  Oxford. 
The  Rev.  Nathan  B.  Surges,  residing  at  Li tch field. 
The  Rev.  Alpheus  Gear,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Waterbury. 
The  Rev.  Jonathan  M.  Wainwright,  Deacon,  Minister  of  Trinity  Church, 

Hartford. 
The  Rev.  Charles  Smith,  Deacon,  Minister  of Church,  Wilton. 

NEW  YORK. 

The  Right  Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart,  D.D.,  Bishop,  and  Rector  of  Trinity 

Church,  including  St.  Pauls  and  St.  John's  Chapels,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Parker  Adams,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Lansingburgh,  Rens- 

selaer  County,  and  Grace  Church,  Waterford,  Saratoga  County. 
The  Rev.  Henry  Anthon,  Deacon,  Minister   of   Church,    Redhook, 

Dutchess  County. 
The  Rev.  Amos  G.  Baldwin,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,   Utica,  Oneida 

County. 
The  Rev.  Theodosius  Bartow,  Rector  of-  Trinity  Church,  New  Rochelle, 

Westchester  County. 

The  Rev.  Gregory  T.  Bedell,  Deacon,  Minister  of  Christ  Church,  Hudson. 
The  Rev.  William  Berrian,  an  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  Church,  New 

York. 
The  Rev.  John  Bowden,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Rhetoric  and  Moral  Philosophy, 

in  Columbia  College,  New  York 

The  Rev.  Nathaniel  Bowen,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  Grace  Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  John   Brown,    Minister   of    St.   George's    Church,    Newburgh 

Orange  County. 
The  Rev.  Thomas  C.  Brownell,  Professor  of  Rhetoric  and  Belles-Letters, 

Union  College,  Schenectady. 
The  Rev.  Nathaniel  F.  Bruce,  M.  D.,  Deacon,  Minister  of  Christ  Church, 

Duanesburgh,  Schenectady  County. 
The  Rev.  Barzillai  Bulkley,    Rector  of  St.  George's   Church,   Flushing, 

Long  Island. 
The  Rev.  David  Butler,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Troy,  Rensselaer 

County. 
The  Rev.  Richard   F.   Cadle,    Deacon,   Minister  of    St.   Luke's    Church, 

Goshen,  Orange  County. 

The  Rev.  Orin  Clark,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Geneva,  Ontario  County. 
The  Rev.  William  A.  Clark,  Missionary,  Manlius,  Onondaga  County,  and 

the  counties  adjacent. 

The  Rev.  Timothy  Clowes,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Albany. 
The  Rev.  William  Creighton,  Rector  of  St.  Mark's  Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Asahel  Davis,  Deacon. 
The  Rev.  N.  Felch,  residing  in  Putnam  County. 

The  Rev.  Henry  J.  Feltus,  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Fuller,  Missionary,  Albany  and  Green  Counties. 


504      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1817. 

The  Rev  Ezekiel  G.  Gear,  Deacon,   Missionary,  Onondaga  County,  and 

Counties  adjacent. 
The  Rev.  Charles  W.  Hamilton,  Deacon,  Missionary,  Washington  County, 

and  parts  adjacent. 

The  Rev.  William  Hammel,  residing  in  New  York. 

The  Rev.  William  Harris,  D.D.,  President  of  Columbia  College,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Seth  Hart,  Rector  of  St.  George's  Church,  Hempstead,  including 

Christ  Chapel,  North  Hempstead,  Long  Island. 
The  Rev.  Samuel    Haskill,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Rye,  Westchester 

County. 
The  Rev.  Thomas  Y.  How,  D.  D.,  Assistant  Rector  of   Trinity   Church, 

New  York. 

The  Rev.  David  Huntington,  Stamford.  Delaware  County. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  F.   Jarvis,    Rector  of    St.    James's   Church,   Hamilton 

Square,  and  Minister  of  St  Michael's  Church,  Bloomingdale,  New 

York. 

The  Rev.  Stephen  Jewett,  Missionary  in  Washington  County. 
The  Rev.  Evan  Malbone  Johnson,  Minister  of  St.  James's  Church,  New 

Town,  Long  Island. 
The  Rev.  Samuel    Johnston,  Deacon,   Missionary,  Genesee  and  Niagara 

Counties. 

The  Rev.  Cave  Jones,  residing  in  the  City  of  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Ravaud  Kearney,  Minister  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  East  Chester, 

West  Chester  County. 
The  Rev.  William  B.  Lacey,  Missionary  in  Chenango  County,  and  parts 

adj  acent. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Lyell,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Daniel  M'Donald,  Principal  of  the  Academy,  Fairfield,  Herki- 

mer  County,  and  officiating  in  the  Church  there. 

The  Rev.  John  M'Vickar,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  Hyde  Park,  Dutch- 
ess  County. 

The  Rev.  James  Milnor,  Rector  of  St.  George's  Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  David  Moore,  Rector  of  St.  Andrew's  Church,  including  Trinity 

Chapel,  Staten  Island. 
The  Rev.  Daniel  Nash,  Missionary,  and  Rector  of  the  Churches  in  Otsego 

County. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Nicholls,   Deacon,   Tutor  in  the   Academy,   Fairfield, 

Herkimer  County 

The  Rev.  William  H.  Northrop,  Deacon. 
The  Rev.  George  W.  Norton,  Deacon,  Ontario  County. 
The  Rev.    Benjamin   T.   Onderdonk,   an  Assistant    Minister  of   Trinity 

Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Henry  U.  Onderdonk,  M.  D.,  Missionary,  Canandaigua,  Ontario 

County,  and  parts  adjacent. 
The  Rev.  Henri  L.  P.  F.  Peneveyre,  Rector  of  the  French  Church,  Du  St. 

Esprit,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Perry,  Rector  of  St.  James'  Church,  Milton,  and  Christ 

Church,  Ballston,  Saratoga  County. 
The  Rev.  William  Powell,  Minister  of  St.  John's  Church,  Yonkers,  West 

Chester  County. 
The  Rev.  Joseph   Prentice,   Rector  of    Trinity  Church,  Athens,  and  St. 

Luke's  Church,  Catekill,  Green  County. 
The  Rev.  John  Reed,  Rector  of  Christ  Church.   Poughkeepsie,  Dutchesa 

County. 


1817.] 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      505 


The  Rev.  Joshua  M.  Rogers,  Missionary  at  Turin,  Lewis  County,  and 

parts  adjacent. 
The  Rev.  Gilbert  H.  Sayres,  Minister  of   Grace  Church,  Jamaica,   Long 

Island. 
The  Rev.  Charles  Seabury,  Rector  of  Caroline  Church,  Brookhaven,  and 

Missionary  to  Huntington  and  Islip,  Long  Island. 
The  Rev.  Hugh  Smith,  Deacon,  officiating  in  Grace  Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Cyrus  Stebbins,  Rector  of  St.  George's  Church,  Schenectady. 
The  Rev.  Fetrus  S.  Ten  Broeck,  Minister  of  Trinity  Church,  Fishkill,  and 

St.  Philip's  Church,  Phillips  Town,  Dutchess  County,  and  St.  Peter's 

Church,  Peekskill,  Putnam  County. 

The  Rev.  James  Thompson,  Missionary,  Greene  and  Delaware  Counties. 
The  Rev.  F.  Vanhorne,  residing  in  Coldenham. 
The  Rev.  George  Weller,  Missionary,  West  Chester  County. 
The  Rev.  Alanson  W.  Welton,  Missionary,  Ontario  and  adjacent  Counties. 
The  Rev.  Eli  Wheeler,  Rector  of  -St.  John's  Church,  Johnstown,  Mont 
gomery  County. 
The  Rev    Russel  Wheeler,  Missionary,  Harmony  Church,  Butternuts;  St. 

Matthew's  Church,  Unadilla,  Otsego  County,  and  parts  adjacent. 
The  Rev.  Isaac  Wilkins,  D.D..  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  West  Chester. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Willard,  residing  in  New  York. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

The  Right  Rev.  John  Croes,  D.  D.,  Bishop,  and  Rector  of  Christ  Church, 
New  Brunswick. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Beach,  D.  D.,  residing  near  New  Brunswick. 

The  Rev.  Charles  H.  Wharton,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Mary's  Church,  Bur 
lington. 

The  Rev.  John  C.  Rudd,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Elizabeth  Town. 

The  Rev.  Simon  Wilmer,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Swedesborough. 

The  Rev.  James  Chapman,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Perth  Amboy. 

The  Rev.  John  Croes,  jun.,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Shrewsbury. 

The  Rev.  Lewis  P.  Bayard,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Newark. 

The  Rev.  George  Y.  Morehouse,  Rector  of  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Mount 
Holly. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Higbee,  Minister  of  St.  Mary's  Church,  Colestown ;  St. 
John's  Church,  Salem ;  and  St.  George's  Church,  Penn's  Neck. 

The  Rev.  James  Montgomery,  Deacon,  Minister  of  St.  Michael's  Church, 
Trenton. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  C.  Stratton,  Deacon,  Missionary. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  William  White,  D.  D.,  Bishop,  senior  of  the  American 
Church,  presiding  in  the  House  of  Bisnops  and  Rector  of  Christ 
Church,  St.  Peter  s,  and  St.  James's,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.  D.,  residing  in  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  James  Abercrombie,  D.  D.,  senior  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ 
Church,  St.  Peter's,  and  St.  James's,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Pilmore,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Frederick  Beasley,  D.  D.,  Provost  of  the  University  of  Pennsyl 
vania,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  John  Campbell,  Rector  of Church,  Carlisle. 


506      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1817. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Turner,  residing  in  Southwark,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Slator  Clay,  Rector  of  St.  James',  Perkiomen,  and  St.  Peter's, 

Great  Vallev. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Clarkson,   Rector  of  St.  James',   Lancaster,  St.  John's, 

Peqnea,  and  Bangor  Church,  Church  Town. 
The  Rev.  James  Wiltbank,  one  of  the  Collegiate  Masters  of  the  Latin 

School  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  Philadelphia. 
The  Rev.  Robert  Ayres,  residing  in  Brownsville. 

The  Rev.  Francis  Reno,  officiating  in  the  Counties  of  Beaver  and  Alleghany. 
The  Rev.  Absalom  Jones  (a  colored  man),  Rector  of  the  African  Church 

of  St.  Thomas,  Philadelphia. 
The  Rev.  John  Taylor,  residing  in  Pittsburgh. 
The  Rer.  Levi   Bull,    Rector  of    St.  Gabriel's,   Berks  County,   and  St. 

Mary's,  Chester  County. 

The  Rev.  John  Armstrong,  Rector  of  St.  John's,  Yorktown. 
The  Rev.    Jackson    Kemper,    Assistant  Minister  of    Christ   Church,   St. 

Peter's  and  St.  James's,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Richard  D.  Hall,  Rector  of  St.  James  the  Greater's,  Bristol. 
The  Rev.  George  Boyd,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Northern  Liberties, 

Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Abiel  Carter,  Rector  of  Trinitv  Church,  Pittsburgh. 
The  Rev.  George  Sheets,  Deacon,  Minister  of  Trinity  Church,  Oxford,  and 

All  Saints,  Lower  Dublin. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Phinney,  officiating  at  Wilkesbarre,  and  in  the  Counties 

of  Bradford  and  Susquehannah. 

The  Rev.  Jacob  Morgan  Douglass,  Deacon,  residing  in  Philadelphia. 
The  Rev.  Thomas  P.  May,  Deacon,  residing  in  Montgomery  County. 
The  Rev.  Charles  M.  Dupuy,  Deacon,  residing  in  Philadelphia. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  R.  Walker,  Deacon,  residing  in  Philadelphia. 

DELAWARE. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Clay,  Rector  of  Emanuel's  Church,  Newcastle. 
The  Rev.  William  Wickes,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Wilmington. 
The  Rev.  William  Pryce,  residing  in  Wilmington. 

MARYLAND. 

The  Right  Rev.  James  Kemp,  D.  D.,  Bishop,  and  Rector  of  St.  Paul's 
Parish,  including  Christ  Church,  Baltimore. 

The  Rev.  William  E.  Wyatt,  Associate  Minister  of  St.  Paul's  Parish,  Balti 
more. 

The  Rev.  John  V.  Bartow,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Baltimore. 

The  Rev.  John  P.  K.  Henshaw,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Baltimore. 

The  Rev.  Edmund  D.  Barry,  Principal  of  an  Academy  in  Baltimore. 

The  Rev.  John  Allen,  Teacher  in  Baltimore. 

The  Rev.  William  Ninde,  Teacher  in  Baltimore. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Jackson,  Rector  of  St.  John's,  Washington  County. 

The  Rev.  George  Williams,  Hector  of  St.  Mark's,  Frederick. 

The  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch,  Rector  of  All-Saints,  Frederick  Town. 

The  Rev.  Alfred  Dashiell  Deacon,  Montgomery  County. 

The  Rev.  Matthew  Johnson,  Rector  of  St.  James's,  Baltimore  County. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Stephens,  Rector  of  St.  George's,  Harford. 

The  Rev.  Nathan  Wheaton,  Deacon. 


1817.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       507 

The  Rev.  Walter  D.  Addison,  Rector  of  St.  John's,  Georgetown,  District 
of  Columbia. 

The  Rev.  Ruel  Keith,  Assistant  Minister  of  St.  John's,  Georgetown,  Dis 
trict  of  Columbia. 

The  Rev.  William  Hawley,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  City  of  Wash 
ington. 

The  Rev.  Andrew  C.  M'Cormick,  Rector  of Church,  City  of  Wash 
ington. 

The  Rev.  William  Gibson,  Rector  of  Queen  Anne,  Prince  George's. 

The  Rev.  Ralph  Williston,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's,  Prince  George's. 

The  Rev.  Noble  Young,  Rector  of Church,  Prince  George's. 

The  Rev.  John  Weems,  Rector  of  Port  Tobacco,  Charles  County. 

The  Rev.  Johu  Brady,  Rector  of  William  and  Mary,  St.  Mary's  County. 

The  Rev.  Neale  H.  Shaw,  Rector  of  All-Faith,  St.  Mary's. 

The  Rev.  John  Bauzman,  Rector  of  All-Saints,  Calvert. 

The  Rev.  Purnell  F.  Smith,  Rector  of  Christ  Church, . 

The  Rev.  William  Duncan,  Rector  of  All-Hallows,  Anne-Arundell. 

The'  Rev.  Henry  L.  Davis,  Rector  of  St.  Anne's,  Annapolis. 

The  Rev.  William  Duke,  Residing  in  Elkton. 

The  Rev.  Joab  G.  Cooper,  Principal  of  Washington  College,  Chester  Town. 

The  Rev.  George  D.  S.  Handy,  residing  in  Kent  County. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  H.  Turner,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's,  Kent. 

The  Rev.  William  J.  Bulkley,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's,  Queen  Anne. 

The  Rev.  John  Forman. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Bayne,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's,  Talbot. 

The  Rev.  William  M.  Stone,  Rector  of  Stepney,  Somerset. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  P.  Irving,  Teacher  in  Hagers'  Town. 

VIRGINIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.  D.,  Bishop,  and  Rector  of 
the  Monumental  Church,  City  of  Richmond. 

The  Rev.  John  Buchanan,  Rector  of  Henrico  Parish. 

The  Rev.  William  H.  Hart,  Assistant  Minister  of  Henrico  Parish. 

The  Rev.  John  Dunn,  Shelburn  Parish,  Loudon  County. 

The  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  Bristol  Parish,  Dinwiddie. 

The  Rev.  John  Woodville,  St.  Mark's  Parish,  Culpepper. 

The  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  District  of 
Columbia. 

The  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  District  of  Columbia. 

The  Rev.  William  Meade,  Frederick  Parish,  Frederick  County. 

The  Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  D.  D.,  Frederick  Parish,  Frederick  County. 

The  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  Deacon,  St.  George's  Parish,  Fredericks- 
burgh. 

The  Rev.  William  King,  Stanton  Parish,  Augusta. 

The  Rev.  Alexander  Hay,  Antrim  Parish,  Halifax  County. 

The  Rev.  Hugh  C.  Boggs,  Berkley  Parish,  Spotsylvania. 

The  Rev.  John  P.  Phillips,  St.  Martin's  Parish,  Hanover. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Hughs,  Residing  in  Virginia. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Low,  Christ  Church,  Norfolk  Borough. 

The  Rev.  Charles  Crawford,  Amherst  County. 

The  Rev.  William  Crawford,  Louisa  County. 

The  Rev.  Armistead  Smith,  Matthews  County. 

The  Rev.  John  Ravenscroft,  Mecklenburgh  County. 

The  Rev.  John  L.  Bryan,  Deacon,  Berkley  County. 


508         "JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.        1817.] 

The  Rev.  William  Steele,  Prince  William. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Horrel,  Berkley  County. 

The  Rev.  George  Lemon,  Fauquier  County. 

The  Rev.  George  Michlejohn,  (aged  100)  Mecklenburgh. 

The  Rev.  Needier  Rohinson,  Chesterfield  County. 

The  Rev.  John  Bracken,  D.  D.,  Williamsburgh. 

The  Rev.  John  Hyde  Saunders,  Cumberland. 

The  Rev.  John  Seward,  Lancaster  County. 

The  Rev.  Benjamin  J.  Allen,  Deacon,  Jefferson  County. 

The  Rev.  Robert  S.  Symes,  Eastern  Shore. 

The  Rev.  Jacob  Keeling,  Nansimond. 

The  Rev.  George  Halson,  residing  near  Norfolk. 

NORTH  CAROLINA. 

The  Right  Rev.  Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.  D.,  of  Virginia,  performing 
Episcopal  offices  under  the  20th  Canon  of  the  General  Convention, 
by  invitation  of  the  Convention  of  the  Diocese. 

The  Rev.  Bethel  Judd,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Fayetteville. 

The  Rev.  Jehu  Curtis  Clay,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Newbern. 

The  Rev.  Adam  Empie,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  Wilmington. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

The  Right  Rev.  Theodore  Dehon,  D.  D.,  Bishop,  and  Rector  of  St.  Micha 
el's  Church,  Charleston. 

The  Rev  Christopher  Edwards  Gadsden,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Philip's 
Church,  Charleston. 

The  Rev.  William  Percy,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Charleston. 

The  Rev.  Christian  Hankel,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Columbia,  and 
Professor  of  Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy  in  South  Carolina 
College. 

The  Rev.  Andrew  Fowler,  Rector  of  the  Episcopal  Church  on  Edisto 
Island. 

The  Rev.  John  B.  Campbell,  Rector  of  St.  Helena's  Church,  Beaufort. 

The  Rev.  Hugh  Fraser,  Rector  of  All  Saints  Parish,  Waccamaw. 

The  Rev.  John  Jacob  Tschudy,  Rector  of  St.  John's,  Berkeley. 

The  Rev  Charles  B.  Snowden,  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Parish,  and  upper 
St.  John's,  Berkley. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Frost,  Assistant  Minister  of  St.  Philip's  Church,  Charles 
ton. 

The  Rev.  Maurice  H.  Lance,  Rector  of  Prince  George's,  Winyah,  George 
town. 

The  Rev.  Philip  Matthews,  Rector  of  St.  Helana's  Church,  on  the  Island 
of  St.  Helena. 

The  Rev.  Frederick  Dalcho,  M.  D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Charleston. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Gates,  D.  D.,  residing  in  St.  George's  Parish,  Dorchester. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Mills,  D.  D.,  residing  in  the  upper  part  of  the  State, 
without  a  cure. 

The  Rev.  Paul  T.  Gervais,  residing  in  St.  John's  Parish,  Colleton. 

The  Rev.  Milward  Pogsoii,  residing  in"  St.  James's  Parish,  Goose-Creek. 

The  Rev.  Albert  Muller,  Deacon,  Charleston. 

The  next  General  Convention  will  be  held  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia,  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  May,  A.  D.  1820. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS 


OF  THE 


BISHOPS,  CLERGY,  AND  LAITY 


OP  THE 


is r opal  (Hjuprlj, 


IH 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA, 


GENERAL  CONTENTION- 


HELD   IH 


ST.  JAMES'S  CHURCH,  IK  THE  CITY  OF  PHILADELPHIA,  FEOM  THE 

16TH  TO  THE  24TH  DAY  OF   MAY  INCLUSIVE,   A.  D.   1820. 

(509) 


510      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1820. 

HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS. 

The  Eight  Rev.  William  White,  D.  D.  of  Pennsylvania, 
presiding  Bishop. 

The  Right  Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart,  D.  D.  of  New  York. 

The  Right  Rev.  Alexander  Viets  Griswold,  D.  D.  of  the 
Eastern  Diocese. 

The  Right  Rev.  Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.  D.  of 
Virginia. 

The  Right  Rev.  James  Kemp,  D.  D.  of  Maryland. 

The  Right  Rev.  John  Croes,  D.  D.  of  New  Jersey. 

The  Right  Rev.  Nathaniel  Bowen,  D.  D.  of  South 
Carolina. 

The  Right  Rev.  Thomas  C.  Brownell,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.  of 
Connecticut. 


CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES. 

N.  B. — The  deputies,  whose  names  are  in  Italicks,  were  not  present 
CLERICAL   DEPUTIES. 

MAINE. 

Eev.  Petrus  S.  Ten  Broeck. 

NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

Rev.  James  B.  Howe,  Rev.  Robert  Fowle, 

Eev.  Charles  Burroughs. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

Rev.  J.  8.  J.  Gardiner,  D.  D.,  Rev.  James  Morss, 

Rev.  Asa  Eaton,  Rev.  Thomas  Carlile. 

VERMONT. 

Rev.  Abm.  Branson,  Rev.  Stephen  Beach, 

Rev.  George  Leonard,  Rev.  Joel  Clapp. 

RHODE  ISLAND. 

Rev.  Salmon  Wheaton,  Rev.  Nathan  B.  Crocker, 

Rev.  John  Laurent  Blake. 

CONNECTICUT. 

Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  Rev.  Harry  Oroswell, 

Rev.  Daniel  Burhans,  Rev.  Birdsey  Q.  Noble. 


1820.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      oil 

NEW  YORK. 

Rev.  Isaac  Wilkins,  Rev.  Davis  Butler, 

Kev.  Thomas  Lyell.  Rev.  Benjamin  T.  Onderdonk. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

Rev.  Charles  H.  Wharton,  D.  D.,        Rev.  John  C.  Rudd, 
Rev.  John  Croes,  Jun.,  Rev.  Lewis  P.  Bayard. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Rev.  Levi  Bull,  Rev.  Jackson  Kemper, 

Rev  George  Boyd,  Rev.  Bird  Wilson. 

DELAWARE. 

Rev.  Richard  D.  Hall,  Rev.  John  Foreman. 

MARYLAND. 

Rev.  John  P.  K.  Henshaw,  Rev.  William  E.  Wyatt,  D.  D., 

Rev.  William  Wickes,  Rev.  Samuel  C.  Stratton. 

VIRGINIA. 

Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,         Rev.  William  Meade, 
Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  Rev.  George  Lemmon. 

NORTH  CAROLINA. 

Rev.  Adam  Ernpie,  Rev.  John  Avery, 

Rev.  Richard  S.  Mason,  Rev.  Gregory  1.  Bedell. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

Rev.  John  I.  Tschudy,  Rev.  John  B.  Campbett, 

Rev.  Andrew  Fowler,  Rev.  Maurice  H.  Lance, 

Rev.  Christopher  E.  Gadsdon,  D.  D.* 

LAY   DEPUTIES. 

MAINE. 

Robert  H.  Gardiner,  Esq. 

NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

Nathaniel  Adams,  Esq.,  Enoch  G.  Parrot,  Esq., 

Hon.  James  Sheafe. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

Col.  George  Sullivan,  Samuel  Hubbard,  Esq., 

Hon.  James  Lloyd,  Dudley  Atkins  Tyng,  Esq. 

VERMONT. 

Cl&ment  Trowbridge,  Esq.,  Col.  Josiah  Dunham, 

Daniel  Henshaw,  Esq.,  Jeremiah  Stratton,  Esq. 

*  Appointed  agreeably  to  a  regulation  of  the  South  Carolina  Convention,  providing  In 
case  of  absence  in  the  elected  delegation.    Committee  of  Publication. 


512      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1820. 

RHODE  ISLAND. 

Col.  Thomas  Lloyd  Halsey,  Col.  Alexander  Jones, 

Stephen  B.  Northam,  Esq.,  Gen.  George  D'  Wolfe. 

CONNECTICUT. 

Gen.  Mathias  Nicoll,  Richard  Adams, 

James  Lambert,  John  L.  Lewis. 

NEW  YORK. 

Son.  Rufus  King,  Dr.  John  Onderdonk, 

Hon.  Philip  S.  Van  Rensselaer,          Richard  Harrison,  Esq. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

William  Coxe,  Esq.,  Samuel  I.  Head,  Esq., 

Joseph  V.  Clark,  Esq.,  Peter  Kean,  Esq., 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Samuel  Sitgreaves,  Esq.,  William  Meredith,  Esq., 

Thomas  McEuen,  Esq.,  Walter  Kerr. 

DELAWARE. 

Hon.  Kensey  Johns,  Thomas  Cooper,  Esq., 

MARYLAND. 

Hon.  John  C.  Herbert,  Francis  S.  Key,  Esq., 

Tench  Tilghman,  Esq.,  William  Donne,  Esq., 

VIRGINIA. 

Col.  Wm.  Mayo,  Philip  Nelson, 

Hon.  Charles  F.  Mercer,  John  Nelson,  jr. 

NORTH  CAROLINA. 

Duncan  Cameron,  Esq.,  Marsden  Campbell, 

Josiah  Collins,  Esq.,  John  Stanley,  Esq. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

Col.  Lewis  Morris,  William  Heyward, 

Major  Andrew  Hassell,  Colin  Campbell. 

Clergy  who  attended  the  sittings  of  the  Convention. 

MASSACHUSETTS. — The  Rev.  George  T.  Chapman. 

NBW  YORK. — The  Rev.  Samuel  F.  Jarvis,  D.  D.,  The  Rev.  James  Mil- 
nor,  D.  D.,  The  Rev.  Jonathan  M.  Wainwright,  The  Rev.  Thomas 
Breintnall. 

NEW  JERSEY.— The  Rev.  Abiel  Carter,  The  Rev.  Simon  Wilmer,  The 
Rev.  George  H.  Woodruffe. 

PENNSYLVANIA. — The   Rev.  Joseph  Pilmore,  D.  D.,  The  Rev.  Joseph 

.rner,  The  Rev.  Frederick  Beasley,  D.  D.,  The  Rev.  James  Wiltbank,  The 
-ev.  Charles  M.  Dupuy,  The  Rev.  Jacob  M.  Douglass,  The  Rev.  Wm.  Au 
gustus  Muhlenbere,  The  Rev.  Samuel  C.  Brinckle,  The  Rev.  Manning  B. 
Roche,  The  Rev.  John  Rodney,  The  Rev.  William  Richmond,  The  Rev. 
John  V.  E.  Thome,  The  Rev.  Samuel  Sitgreaves. 

MARYLAND.— The  Rev.  Joseph  R.  Walker,  The  Rev.  John  Johns,  Tha 
Rev.  Joseph  Jackson. 


JOURNAL 


OF  THE  PBOCEEDINGS  OF  THE 


BOHSF  of  CjlFpiral  anh  EBP 

V.  V* 


(1  J-v  PHILADELPHIA,  Tuesday,  May  16,  1820. 

IJ  v&  being  the  day  appointed  for  the  meeting  of  the 
General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  of  the  United  States  of  America,  several 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  attended  in  St.  James's  Church, 
at  5  o'clock,  P.  M.,  and  a  quorum  being  present,  the  Rev. 
Wm.  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.  was  requested  to  take  the  chair 
pro  tempore,  and  the  Secretaries  of  the  house  in  the  last 
Convention,  acted  as  Secretaries  pro  tempore. 

The  house  then  proceeded  to  read  the  Testimonials  of  the 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  which  were  severally  approved, 
and  the  following  gentlemen  took  their  seats  in  the  house. 

CLERICAL    DEPUTIES. 

From  New  Hampshire,  Rev.  Charles  Burroughs.  From 
Massachusetts,  Rev.  James  Morss,  Rev.  Thomas  Carlile. 
From  Rhode  Island,  Rev.  Nathan  B.  Crocker.  From  Ver 
mont,  Rev.  George  Leonard.  From  Connecticut,  Rev.  Ash- 
bel  Baldwin,  Rev.  Daniel  Burhans,  Rev.  Birdsey  G.  Noble. 
From  New  York,  Rev.  David  Butler,  Rev.  Thomas  Lyell, 
Rev.  Benjamin  T.  Onderdonk.  From  New  Jersey,  Rev. 
John  C.  Rudd,  Rev.  John  Croes,  jr.,  Rev.  Lewis  P.  Bay 
ard.  From  Pennsylvania,  Rev.  Levi  Bull,  Rev.  Jackson 
Kernper,  Rev.  Bird  Wilson,  Rev.  George  Boyd.  From 
Delaware,  Rev.  Richard  D.  Hall,  Rev.  John  Foreman. 

513 


514      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1820. 

From  Maryland,  Rev.  Wm.  E.  Wyatt,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Wm. 
Wickes,  Rev.  John  P.  K.  Henshaw,  Rev.  Samuel  C.  Strat- 
ton.  From  Virginia,  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer,  Rev.  George 
Lemmon,  Rev.  Wm.  Meade,  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft. 
From  North  Carolina,  Rev.  Adam  Empie,  Rev.  Richard  S. 
Mason.  From  South  Carolina,  Rev.  John  J.  Tschudy. 

LAY   DEPUTIES. 

From  Massachusetts,  Dudley  Atkins  Tyng,  Esq.  From 
Rhode  Island,  Col.  Thomas  Lloyd  Halsey,  Col.  Alexander 
Jones.  From  Vermont,  Col.  Josiah  Dunham.  From 
Connecticut,  Gen.  Matthias  Nicoll,  Richard  Adams,  Esq. 
From  New  York,  Hon.  Philip  S.  Van  Rensselaer,  Richard 
Harison,  Esq.  From  New  Jersey,  Peter  Kean,  Esq.,  Joseph 
V.  Clark,  Esq.  From  Pennsylvania,  Samuel  Sitgreaves, 
Esq.,  Thomas  M'Euen,  Esq.,  Wrn.  Meredith,  Esq.  From 
Maryland,  Tench  Tilghman,  Esq.,  Hon.  John  C.  Herbert, 
Francis  S.  Key,  Esq.,  William  Donne,  Esq.  From  Virginia, 
Col.  Wm.  Mayo,  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  Mr.  John  Nelson. 
From  North  Carolina,  Duncan  Cameron,  Esq. 

The  house  proceeded  to  the  election  of  a  President, 
Secretary  and  assistant  Secretary,  when  it  appeared,  that, 
the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  was  chosen  president, 
the  Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  Secretary,  the  Rev.  John  C. 
Rudd,  assistant  Secretary. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  clergymen  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  who  may  be  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia 
during  the  session  of  this  convention,  and  not  members 
thereof,  be  admitted  to  the  sittings  of  this  house. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Butler  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wyatt  were  ap 
pointed  to  inform  the  House  of  Bishops,  that  this  house 
was  organized  and  ready  to  proceed  to  business. 

The  House  of  Bishops  returned,  for  answer,  that  they 
also  were  organized  and  ready  to  proceed  to  business. 

The  following  message  was  received  from  the  House  of 
Bishops. 

'The  House  of  Bishops  propose  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies,  to  attend  Divine  Service  to-morrow  at 
10  o'clock,  A.  M.,  and  on  every  subsequent  day,  during  the 
sitting  of  the  Convention,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.,  Sunday 
excepted." 


1820.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      515 

The  Kev.  Mr.  Kemper,  the  Kev.  Mr.  Bull,  and  Samuel 
Sitgreaves,  Esq.  were  appointed  a  Committee  to  prepare 
and  report  rules  of  order,  for  the  government  of  this  house. 

On  motion,  Kesolved, — That  this  house  concur  with  the 
House  of  Bishops  in  the  proposed  time  of  meeting. 

The  house  adjourned  until  10  o'clock,  A.  M.,  to-morrow. 


WEDNESDAY,  May  17,  10  o'clock,  A.  M. 

The  house  attended  Divine  Service  in  St.  James's  Church. 
Service  was  performed  by  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft, 
and  a  sermon  preached  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore. 

After  Divine  Service  the  house  met. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton,  a  Clerical  Deputy  from  New 
Jersey,  The  Rev.  Salmon  Wheaton,  a  Clerical  Deputy  from 
Rhode  Island,  Hon.  Charles  F.  Mercer,  a  Lay  Deputy  from 
Virginia,  and  Walter  Kerr,  Esq.,  a  Lay  Deputy  from 
Pennsylvania  appeared  and  took  their  seats. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  names  of  all  the  mem 
bers  returned  as  Deputies  to  this  Convention,  be  inserted 
on  the  Journal  designating  the  attending  members. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Meade  asked,  and  obtained  leave  of  absence 
for  the  remainder  of  the  day. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Kemper,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
prepare  rules  of  order  made  report,  which  after  consideration 
and  amendment,  were  adopted  as  follows  : 

1.  The  morning  service  of  the  Church  shall  be  performed  every  day 
during  the  session  of  the  Convention. 

2.  When  the  President  takes  the  chair,  no  member  shall  continue  stand 
ing,  or  shall  afterwards  stand  up,  except  to  address  the  chair. 

3.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the  service  of  the  house,  unless 
he  have  leave  or  be  unable  to  attend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  or  deliver  any  matter  to  the 
'house,  he  shall  with  due  respect,  address  himself  to  the  President,  confin- 
'ing  himself  strictly  to  the  point  in  debate. 

5.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice  in  the  same  debate,  without 
leave  of  the  house. 

6.  While  the  President  is  putting  any  question,  the  members  shall  con 
tinue  in  their  seats,  and  shall  not  hold  any  private  discourse. 

7.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  house  when  any  question  is  put, 
shall,  on  a  division,  be  counted,  unless  he  be  personally  interested  in  the 
discussion. 

8.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before  the  house  unless  seconded, 
and,  when  required,  reduced  to  writing. 


516  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.          [1820. 

9.  When  a  motion  is  under  consideration,  no   other  motion  shall  be 
made,  except  to  amend,  to  divide,  to  commit  or  postpone  it ;  but  a  motion 
to  adjourn  shall  always  be  in  order  and  shall  be  decided  without  debate. 
A  question  on  amendment  shall  be  decided  before  the  original  motion. 

10.  All  Committees  shall  be  appointed  by  the  President,  unless  other 
wise  ordered. 

11.  When  the  hon«e  is  about  to  rise,  every  member  shall  keep  his  seat 
until  the  President  leaves  his  chair. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
forming  this  house,  that  they  had  adopted  the  alteration  of 
the  first  article  of  the  constitution,  proposed  at  the  last 
General  Convention,  altering  the  time  of  meeting  from  the 
third  Tuesday  in  May  to  the  first  Tuesday  in  October. 

A  certificate  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Maine,  togeth 
er  with  a  copy  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Church  in  that 
State,  was  received  and  read,  and  application  made  for  ad 
mission  into  union  with  the  General  Convention.  Where 
upon,  Resolved, — That  this  house  recognize  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  Maine  as  in  union  with  the  General 
Convention. 

This  resolution,  together  with  the  accompanying  docu 
ments,  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  house  adjourned. 


THURSDAY,  May  18,  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Divine  Service  was  performed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Butler, 
and  a  sermon  preached  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart. 
After  Divine  Service  the  house  met. 

On  motion  of  P.  Kean,  Esq.,  Resolved,— That  a  list  of 
the  members  of  this  house  be  published  for  the  use  of  the 
Convention. 

A  letter  was  received  by  the  President  from  the  Rev. 
Levi  Bull,  stating  that  circumstances  of  a  domestic  nature 
rendered  it  necessary  for  him  to  return  to  his  family;  he 
therefore  resigned  his  seat  in  this  house. 

On  motion,  Resolved,— That  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Moore  be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy  of  his  sermon, 
preached  at  the  opening  of  this  Convention,  for  publication. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Kemper  was  appointed  to  carry  this  resolu 
tion  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 


1820.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       517 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
forming  this  house,  that  they  concurred  in  the  admission  of 
the  Church  in  the  State  of  Maine  into  union  with  the 
General  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Petrus  S.  Ten  Broeck,  a  Clerical  Deputy  from 
Maine,  and  Robert  Halloweil  Gardiner,  a  Lay  Deputy  from 
the  same  State,  produced  testimonials  of  their  appointment 
which  were  read  and  approved,  and  they  took  their  seats. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  a  Committee  consisting  of 
one  member  from  each  State  represented  in  this  Convention, 
be  appointed  to  examine  the  journals  of  the  different  State 
Conventions,  Episcopal  charges,  addresses  and  pastoral  let 
ters  which  have  been,  or  which  may  be  laid  before  this  house 
during  the  present  session;  to  make  inquiry  into  the  state 
of  the  Church  in  each  Diocese,  arid  into  the  attention  paid 
to  the  Canons  and  rules  of  ,the  Church;  to  draw  up  a  view 
of  the  state  of  the  Church,  and  to  report  the  same  to  this 
house  agreeably  to  the  forty-fifth  Canon. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  to  compose  said 
Committee. 

From  Maine — Rev.  Petrus  S.  Ten  Broeck. 

From  New  Hampshire — Rev.  Charles  Burroughs. 

From  Massachusetts — Rev.  Thomas  Carlile. 

From  Vermont — Rev.  George  Leonard.  j 

From  Connecticut — Rev.  Daniel  Burhans. 

From  New  York — Rev.  Benjamin  T.  Onderdonk. 

From  New  Jersey — Rev.  John  C.  Rudd.  ; 

From  Pennsylvania — Rev.  Jackson  Kemper. 

From  Delaware — Rev.  Richard  D.  Hall. 

From  Maryland— Rev.  Wm.  E.  Wyatt,  D.  D, 

From  Virginia — Rev.  Wm.  Meade. 

From  North  Carolina — Rev.  Adam  Empie. 

From  South  Carolina — Rev.  John  J.  Tschudy. 

A  Canon  respecting  that  part  of  the  45th  Canon,  which 
requires  the  reading  of  the  Episcopal  addresses  on  the 
Journals  of  the  several  State  Conventions,  before  this  house, 
was  proposed  and  adopted,  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

On  motion  of  Francis  S.  Key,  Esq.,  Resolved, — As  the 
opinion  of  this  house,  that  the  practice  of  returning  thanks 
for  sermons  preached  before  the  General  Convention,  and 
requesting  copies  for  publication  ought  to  be  discontinued. 


518  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1820. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  a  Lay  Deputy  from  each 
State  be  added  to  the  Committee  on  the  state  of  the 
Church.  Whereupon,  the  following  gentlemen  were  ap 
pointed. 

From  Maine — Robert  H.  Gardiner,  Esq. 

From  Massachusetts — Dudley  Atkins  Tyng,  Esq. 

From  Rhode  Island — Col.  Thomas  L.  Halsey. 

From  Vermont — Col.  Josiah  Dunham. 
'  From  Connecticut — G-en.  Matthias  Nicholl. 

From  New  York — Richard  Harison,  Esq. 

From  New  Jersey — Peter  Kean,  Esq. 

From  Pennsylvania — Thomas  M'Euen,  Esq. 

From  Delaware — Hon.  Kensey  Johns. 

From  Maryland — Francis  S.  Key,  Esq. 

From  Virginia — Col.  Wm.  Mayo. 

From  North  Carolina — Duncan  Cameron,  Esq. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Boyd  offered  for  the  consideration  of  the 
house,  a  resolution  concerning  the  administration  of  Bap 
tism,  which  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Kemper  proposed  a  Canon  for  considera 
tion,  relative  to  candidates  for  holy  orders  :  ordered  to  lie 
on  the  table. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Boyd  offered  for  consideration,  a  preamble 
and  resolutions  on'  the  subject  of  a  missionary  society; 
ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Rev.  C.  E.  Gadsden,  D.  D.,  a  Clerical  Deputy  from 
South  Carolina,  presented  the  certificate  of  his  appointment 
and  took  his  seat. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  testimonial  of  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Gadsden  be  referred  to  a  Committee. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Meade,  Francis  S.  Key,  Esq.,  and  Richard 
Harison,  Esq.  were  appointed  to  compose  said  Committee. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  a  Committee  be  appointed 
to  examine  the  Journals  of  the  last  General  Convention, 
and  report  the  unfinished  business,  if  any,  to  this  house. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Hall,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wheaton,  Hon.  C.  F. 
Mercer,  and  William  Meredith,  Esq.  were  appointed  to 
compose- said  Committee. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops  in 
forming  this  house  of  their  concurrence  with  the  resolution 
requesting  a  copy  of  Bishop  Moore's  sermon,  preached  at 


1820.]    JOUBNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       519 

the  opening  of  this  Convention,  for  publication  :  and  that 
they  had  also  returned  their  thanks  to  Bishop  Moore,  for 
his  sermon. 

On  motion,  Kesolved, — That  the  resolutions  and  proposed 
Canons  laid  on  the  table,  be  printed  for  the  use  of  the  house. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Tschudy  presented  and  read  a  memorial 
from  the  Convention  of  South  Carolina,  on  the  subject  of  a 
Theological  Seminary,  which  was  sent  to  the  House  of 
Bishops. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  com 
municating  a  proposition  submitted  to  them,  for  the  publi 
cation  of  certain  selections  from  the  Book  of  Psalms  in 
metre,  with  their  Determination  thereon;  which  after  being 
read  and  considered,  was  concurred  in  by  this  house. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops  pro 
posing  certain  instructions  to  be  observed  in  editions  of  the 
Book  of  Common  Prayer,  which  were  read  and  concurred  in 
by  this  house. 

The  House  of  Bishops  informed  this  house,  that  they 
concurred  in  the  adoption  of  the  Canon  repealing  a  part  of 
the  forty-fifth  Canon. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops  with 
a  Canon  passed  by  that  house,  repealing  the  1st  Canon  of 
1817. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Canon  be  referred  to  a 
Committee. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Kemper,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Onderdonk 
were  appointed  the  Committee. 

Hon.  John  C.  Herbert  proposed  for  consideration,  a  Canon 
relative  to  applicants  for  holy  orders,  which  was  referred  to 
the  same  Committee. 

The  following  documents  which  had  been  laid  before  the 
house  in  conformity  with  the  forty-fifth  Canon,  were  refer 
red  to  the  Committee  on  the  state  of  the  Church. 

From  Maine,  a  copy  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Church  in 
that  State,  and  a  Journal  of  their  first  Convention. 

From  New  Hampshire,  written  Journals  for  1817,  1818, 
1819. 

From  Massachusetts,  printed  Journals  for  1819,  1820. 

From  Vermont,  written  Journals  for  1817,  1818,  1819. 

From  Rhode  Island,  written  Journals  for  1818,  1819, 
1820. 


520       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1820. 

From  Connecticut,  printed  Journals  for  1818,  1819. 

From  New  York,  printed  Journals  and  Charges  for  1817, 
1818,  1819,  and  an  Episcopal  address. 

From  New  Jersey,  printed  Journals  for  1817,  1S18,  1819, 
one  Charge  and  a  written  document  on  the  state  of  the 
Church. 

From  Pennsylvania,  printed  Journals  for  1818, 1819, 1820. 

From  North  Carolina,  printed  Journals  for  1817,  1818, 

1819. 

From  South  Carolina,  printed  Journals  for  1818,  1819, 
1820. 

The  house  adjourned. 


FRIDAY,  May  19,  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Divine  Service  was  performed  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wyatt, 
and  a  sermon  preached  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Kemp. 

After  Divine  Service  the  house  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Kemper  from  the  Committee  on  the 
Canon  sent  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  repealing  the  first 
Canon  of  1817,  reported  in  favour  of  concurrence;  where 
upon,  this  house  concurred  in  adopting  the  proposed  Canon, 
and  notice  of  this  concurrence  was  sent  to  the  House  of 
Bishops. 

The  same  Committee  reported  an  amended  Canon  as  a 
substitute  for  the  one  offered  yesterday  by  the  Hon.  John 
C.  Herbert,  which  was  read. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Hall,  from  the  Committee  on  the  Journal 
of  the  last  General  Convention,  reported  as  unfinished  busi 
ness  the  resolutions  offered  by  the  Hon.  Charles  F.  Mercer, 
in  1817,  which  resolutions  were  read  and  ordered  to  lie  on 
the  table. 

P.  Kean,  Esq.  proposed  a  Canon  providing  for  the  change 
of  the  place  of  meeting  of  the  General  Convention  in  cer 
tain  cases,  which  was  read  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Hon.  John  C.  Herbert  asked  and  obtained  leave  of 
absence  for  the  remainder  of  the  day. 

P.  Kean,  Esq.  offered  the  following  resolution,  which  was 
ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Resolved, — That  the  meeting  of  the  next  General  Con 
vention  be  held  at . 


1820.]   JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      521 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Kemper  called  up  his  resolution  on  the 
Theological  Seminary,  which  after  considerable  discussion, 
was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Boyd  called  up  his  resolutions  on  the  sub 
ject  of  a  Missionary  Society,  and  the  following  persons  were 
appointed  to  compose  a  Committee  on  the  subject.  The 
Rev.  Mr.  Boyd,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Henshaw,  Duncan  Cameron, 
Esq.,  Francis  Key,  Esq. 

Robert  H.  Gardiner,  Esq.  proposed  a  Canon  relative  to 
the  consecration  of  Bishops  during  the  recess  of  the  General 
Convention,  as  a  substitute  for  the  fifth  Canon,  which  was 
leferred  to  a  Committee  consisting  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bur 
roughs,  Robert  H.  Gardiner,  Esq.,  and  Samuel  Sitgreaves, 
Esq. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Boyd  called  up  his  resolution  on  the  sub 
ject  of  Pastoral  Letters,  which,  after  considerable  debate, 
was  amended  by  making  it  a  Canon,  which  was  adopted, 
and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops  for  their  concurrence. 

The  consideration  of  the  Canon  offered  yesterday  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Kemper,  was  called  up  and  referred  to  a  commit 
tee  consisting  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Noble,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Gadsden, 
and  P.  Kean,  Esq. 

A  communication  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  on  the  subject  of  a  standard  copy  of  the  Bible,  which 
was  read  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bayard  asked  and  obtained  leave  of  absence 
for  the  remainder  of  the  session. 

The  Bev.  Dr.  Wharton  asked  and  obtained  leave  of  ab 
sence  until  Monday. 

The  house  adjourned. 


SATURDAY,  May  20,  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Divine  Service  was  performed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rudd,  and 
a  sermon  preached  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Croes. 

After  Divine  Service  the  house  met. 

The  Hon.  James  Lloyd,  a  Lay  Deputy  from  Massachu 
setts,  appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

A  message  from  the  House  of  Bishops  informed  this 
house,  that  they  had  concurred  in  adopting  the  Canon  con 
cerning  Pastoral  Letters. 


522  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1820. 

The  Kev.  Mr.  Croes  offered  for  consideration  a  Canon 
repealing  a  part  of  the  35th  Canon  which  was  referred  to  a 
Committee  consisting  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rudd,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Wyatt,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Stratton. 

The  resolution  of  the  House  of  Bishops  adopting  the 
alteration  of  the  first  article  of  the  Constitution  was  taken 
up,  and  after  discussion  was  sent  back  to  the  House  of 
Bishops  with  the  non-concurrence  of  this  house. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Hall  and  Col.  Dunham  asked  and  obtained 
leave  of  absence  until  Monday. 

William  Meredith,  Esq.,  from  the  Committee  appointed 
at  the  last  General  Convention  on  the  Theological  Semi 
nary,  made  a  report,  (See  Appendix)  which  was  read  and 
referred  to  a  Committee  consisting  of  Duncan  Cameron, 
Esq.,  Rev.  Dr.  Gadsden,  Hon.  James  Lloyd,  Rev.  Mr.  On- 
derdonk,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Morss. 

Richard  Harison,  Esq.  offered  the  following  resolution 
and  proposed  alteration  of  the  Constitution,  which  resolution 
was  adopted  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

Resolved, — that  it  be  made  known  to  the  several  State 
Conventions  of  this  Church,  that  it  is  proposed  to  consider 
at  the  next  General  Convention,  and  if  deemed  expedient, 
finally  to  ratify  the  following  alteration  of  the  first  article 
of  the  Constitution  : — 

By  striking  out  so  much  of  the  first  article  as  relates  to 
the  time  of  holding  the  General  Convention,  and  by  insert 
ing,  after  the  words  "  United  States  of  America,"  in  the 
said  article,  the  words  "at  such  time  in  every  third  year, 
and  ;" — and  further,  by  inserting  after  the  word  "  conven 
tion  "  the  following  clause  : — "  and  in  case  there  shall  be  an 
epidemic  disease,  or  any  other  good  cause  to  render  it  neces 
sary  to  alter  the  place  fixed  on  for  any  such  meeting  of  the 
convention,  the  presiding  bishop  shall  have  it  in  his  power 
to  appoint  another  convenient  place,  (as  near  as  may  be  to 
the  place  so  fixed  on)  for  the  holding  of  such  convention." 

The  President  requested  leave  of  absence  from  the  house 
until  Monday,  which  was  granted,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bur- 
hans  was  called  to  the  chair,  pro  tern.  \ 

The  communication  from  the  House  of  Bishops  on  the 
subject  of  a  standard  copy  of  the  Bible  was  taken  up,  and 
the  resolution  of  that  house  concurred  in,  and  notice  of  con 
currence  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 


1820.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      523 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  the  Commitee 
of  this  house  pursuant  to  the  resolution. 

The  Rev.  Mr.'  Wilson,  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton,  Rev.  Dr. 
Wyatt,  Rev.  Mr.  Kemper,  and  Samuel  Sitgreaves,  Esq. 

Peter  Kean,  Esq.  offered  the  following  resolution,  which 
was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Resolved,  if  the  House  of  Bishops  concur  therein,  that  a 
committee  be  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  expediency  and 
practicability  of  establishing  a  college  for  the  education  of 
youth,  to  be  under  the  care  and  superintendence  of  trustees 
to  be  appointed  by  the  General  Convention,  and  that  the 
said  Committee  report  to  the  next  General  Convention  the 
result  of  their  inquiries,  together  with  a  plan  for  the  gov 
ernment  of  said  institution,  should  they  deem  its  estab 
lishment  practicable. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Mason  proposed  several  resolutions  on  the 
subject  of  correct  editions  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer 
which  were  ordered  to  lie  on  the  Table. 

Hon.  C.  F.  Mercer  asked  and  obtained  leave  of  absence 
for  the  remainder  of  the  session. 

The  house  adjourned  until  Monday  morning  9  o'clock. 


MONDAY,  May  22,  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Divine  Service  was  performed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tschudy, 
and  a  sermon  preached  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop.  Bowen. 

After  Divine  Service  the  house  met. 

MJ.  James  Lambert,  a  Lay  Deputy  from  Connecticut, 
and  the  Hon.  Kensey  Johns,  a  Lay  Deputy  from  Delaware, 
appeared  and  took  their  seats. 

The  rules  of  order  were  read. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Noble  from  the  committee  on  the  proposed 
Canon  concerning  candidates  for  Holy  Orders  made  report 
which  was  laid  on  the  table. 

The  Hon.  John  C.  Herbert  called  up  the  consideration  of 
the  Canon  proposed  by  him,  amending  the  17th  Canon. 
The  proposed  Canon  was  adopted  and  sent  to  the  House  of 
Bishops. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Boyd  called  up  the  consideration  of  his 
resolution  on  the  subject  of  diversity  of  practice  in  admin- 


524      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1820. 

istering  Baptism,  which  resolution  he  withdrew  and  offered 
the  following  as  a  substitute  : 

Resolved, — That  the  Bight  Rev.,  the  House  of  Bishops 
be  respectfully  requested  to  express  to  this  house  their 
opinion  on  the  diversity  of  practice  which  prevails  in  the 
administration  of  baptism,  and  to  suggest  the  most  effec 
tual  mode  for  producing  uniformity  under  the  second  rubric 
in  the  office  for  the  administration  of  private  baptism. 

This  resolution  was  referred  to  the  committee  on  the 
state  of  the  Church. 

An  addition  to  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  the  Theo 
logical  Seminary,  appointed  at  the  last  General  Convention, 
was  received  and  read,  and  referred  to  the  Committee  of  this 
house  on  that  subject.  (See  appendix.) 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Rudd  from  the  Committee  on  the  proposed 
Canon  amending  the  35th  Canon,  made  report  unfavourable 
to  the  adoption  of  said  Canon. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  proposed  Canon  be  re 
committed,  and  that  two  members  be  added  to  the  Commit 
tee.  Whereupon,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Meade  and  Samuel  Sit- 
greaves,  Esq.  were  appointed. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops  pro 
posing  an  amendment  to  the  Canon  passed  by  this  house, 
amending  the  17th  Canon,  which  amendment  was  concurred 
in  by  this  house,  and  notice  of  concurrence  sent  to  the 
House  of  Bishops. 

Duncan  Cameron,  Esq.,  from  the  Committee  on  the  sub 
ject  of  the  Theological  Seminary,  made  the  following  report 
which  was  read. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  report  from  the 
Trustees  of  the  Theological  school,  having,  according  to  order, 
had  the  same  under  consideration — report : 

That  while  they  lament  that  the  efforts  made  to  establish  the 
school  in  the  city  of  New  York  have  not  been  more  successful, 
they  are  deeply  impressed  with  the  conviction  that  the  estab 
lishment  of  an  institution  for  the  theological  education  of  can 
didates  for  the  ministry,  is  an  object  of  too  much  importance 
to  the  character  and  interests  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States,  to  be  abandoned  or  delayed. 

The  Committee  are  aware  that  difficulties  are  inseparably 
connected  with  all  new  undertakings,  and  that  ultimate  success 
can  only  be  expected  after  long  experience.  They  cannot, 


1820.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      525 

however,  permit  themselves  to  doubt  the  practicability  of 
establishing  a  theological  school  adequate  to  the  exigencies  of 
the  Church,  if  a  simultaneous  and  zealous  effort  for  that  pur 
pose  be  made  by  its  friends  throughout  the  United  States.  They 
anxiously  hope  such  an  effort  will  be  made — and  confidently 
believe  that  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church  will  bless  the  exer 
tions  which  may  be  made  to  prepare  and  send  forth  labourers 
into  his  vineyard. 

Tue  Committee  are  of  opinion,  that  it  is  of  great  importance 
to  the  success  of  the  institution,  that  it  should  be  located  in 
some  place  where  the  professors  and  students  can  have  access 
to  public  libraries,  enjoy  the  benefits  resulting  from  literary 
society,  and  live  comfortably  at  a  moderate  expense. 

Without  detracting  from  the  great  advantages  which  the  city 
of  New  York  affords  to  students  in  the  various  departments 
of  literature  and  science,  the  Committee  are  of  opinion  that 
the  city  of  New  Haven  offers  inducements  for  the  establishment 
of  the  Theological  school  in  that  place  (at  least  for  the  present, 
and  while  its  funds  are  so  limited)  which  ought  not  to  be  over 
looked  or  disregarded. 

For  the  purpose  of  carrying  into  effect  the  views  of  the  com 
mittee  contained  in  this  very  brief  report,  they  recommend  the 
adoption  of  the  following  resolutions : 
Respectfully  submitted, 

DUNCAN  CAMERON,  CHAIRMAN. 

1.  Resolved, — That  the  Theological  school  instituted  at  New 
York,  under  the  authority  of  the  last  General  Convention  of 
the  'Protestant   Episcopal   Church   of   the   United  States,  be 
transferred  to  and  located  within  the  city  of  New  Haven  in 
the  diocese  of  Connecticut. 

2.  Resolved, — That  the  management  of  the  said  school  be 
and  is  hereby  vested  in  a  board  of  trustees,  which  shall  consist 
of  the  Bishops  of  the  several  dioceses  within  the  United  States, 
of  six   clergymen    and  six   Liymen,  to  be   appointed  by  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  at  every  meeting  of  the 
General  Convention,  any  seven  of  whom  shall  be  competent  to 
form  a  board  for  transacting  business.     They  shall  have  power 
to  collect  and  manage  funds  for  the  benefit  of  the  school ;  to 
appoint   professors   and  teachers    therein,  and  prescribe  their 
duties;    regulate  the  admission  of  students,  and  prescribe  the 
course  of  studies  to  be  observed  by  them ;    to  made  such  by 
laws   and  regulations  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  government 
of  the  school ;  and,  generally,  to  take  such  measures  as  they 
may  deem  essential  to  the  prosperity  of  the  institution.     The 


526  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1820. 

said  board  of  trustees  shall  have  power  to  fill  vacancies  which 
may  occur  by  death,  removal  or  resignation  of  any  clerical  or 
lay  member  thereof,  and  it  shall  be  their  duty  to  make  a  full 
and  detailed  report  of  their  proceedings  and  of  the  state  of  the 
school  to  the  next  General  Convention. 

3.  Resolved, — That  the  Bishops  of  the  several  dioceses  with 
in  the  United  States,  and  where  there  is  no  bishop,  the  stand 
ing  committee  of  the  diocese,  be  and  they  are  hereby  earnestly 
and  respectfully  requested  to  adopt  such  measures  as  they  may 
deem  most  advisable  to  collect  funds  in  aid  of  the  Theological 
school,  and  to  cause  the  same,  when  collected,  to  be  transmitted 
to  the  treasurer  of  the  board  of  trustees. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops  with 
information  that  they  concurred  in  the  resolution  of  this 
house  on  the  proposed  alteration  of  the  first  article  of  the 
Constitution. 

Robert  H.  Gardiner,  Esq.  offered  the  following  resolution 
which  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Resolved, — That  it  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  of  each 
General  Convention,  to  cause  to  be  published  the  sermon 
preached  at  the  opening  thereof. 

The  consideration  of  the  resolution  and  proposed  altera 
tion  of  the  Constitution  offered  by  the  Hon.  C.  F.  Mercer  in 
1817,  was  called  up  and,  after  considerable  debate,  was 
indefinitely  postponed. 

The  house  adjourned,  to  meet  at  six  o'clock  this  evening. 

MONDAY  EVENING,  6  o'clock. 

The  house  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Burroughs  from  the  Committee  on  the 
proposed  substitute  for  the  fifth  Canon  made  report  favour- 
rable  to  the  adoption  of  said  Canon. 

On  the  question,  shall  this  Canon  be  adopted,  it  was 
decided  in  the  negative. 

The  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  the 
Theological  Seminary  was  called  up,  read,  and  discussed  for 
some  time,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Committee  on  the  state  of  tbe  Church  made  a  re 
port  which  was  read  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Foreman  asked  and  obtained  leave  of  ab 
sence  for  the  remainder  of  the  session. 

The  house  adjourned. 


1820.]     JOURNAL  OP  THE  GENERAL  CONTENTION.      527 

TUESDAY,  May  23,  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Divine  Service  was  performed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Baldwin, 
and  a  sermon  preached  by  the  Eight  Kev.  Bishop  Brownell. 

After  Divine  Service  the  house  met. 

The  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  the 
state  of  the  Church  was  called  up,  and  after  long  discussion 
it  was,  on  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Onderdonk, 

Resolved, — To  strike  out  the  following  section  and 
resolution : 

"In  conclusion,  your  Committee  beg  leave  to  report  that 
they  would  recommend  to  this  Convention,  to  call  the  attention 
of  the  clergy  to  the  rubrics  and  offices  of  the  Church  in  relation 
to  the  holy  Sacrament  of  Baptism.  They  consider  it  of  the  first 
importance  to  the  character  of  the  Church  and  to  the  good 
education  of  its  youthful  members,  that  pious  principles  and 
conduct  should  be  required  in  those  who  are  received  as  spon 
sors  in  baptism.  It  must  produce  consequences  highly  injuri 
ous  to  the  Church,  fatal  to  the  welfare  of  those  who  are  to  be 
nurtured  in  its  bosom,  and  not  less  so  to  those  who  unadvisedly 
enter  into  the  most  serious  engagements  in  their  behalf,  to  ad 
mit  into  so  highly  responsible  a  solemnity  those  who  do  not 
understand  and  feel  the  importance  of  its  sanctions,  and  who 
do  not  sincerely  mean,  with  the  help  of  divine  grace,  faithfully 
to  perform  them.  This  end,  and  many  others  deserving  con 
sideration,  we  believe  would  also  be  promoted  by  administering 
baptism  publicly ;  and,  when  necessity  requires  it  to  be  admin 
istered  in  private,  by  using  the  form  of  private  baptism  and 
afterwards  requiring  the  infant  and  its  sponsors  to  be  brought 
into  the  church,  that  the  congregation  may  be  certified,  in  the 
form  prescribed,  of  its  admission  into  the  Church,  that  the 
sponsors  may  enter  into  their  obligations  in  the  face  of  the 
Church,  and  that  its  prayers  may  be  offered  up  to  the  Almighty 
to  grant  His  blessing  to  the  ordinance. 

The  Committee  therefore  recommend  the  following  resolution : 
Resolved, — That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  General  Convention 
that  the  ordinance  of  baptism  ought  in  all  possible  cases  to  be 
administered  in  public,  and  that  when  necessity  shall  require 
it  to  be  administered  in  private,  that  then  the  office  for  private 
baptism  should  be  used,  and  that  the  infant  and  the  sponsors 
should  be  afterwards  required  to  appear  in  Church  and  con 
form  to  the  service  of  the  Church  in  that  respect — and  that 
the  Right  Rev.  the  Bishops  be  respectfully  requested  to  call 
the  attention  of  the  clergy  to  this  subject,  and  to  enjoin  upon 


528  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.          [1820. 

them  a  particular  care  in  requiring  proper  qualifications  in 
those  who  are  admitted  as  sponsors." — 

And,  to  insert  the  following,  as  a  substitute  : 
The"  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  reverting  to 
the  notices  of  private  baptism  in  some  of  the  preceding 
statements,  respectfully  request  the  House  of  Bishops  to 
insert  in  the  Pastoral  Letter  solicited  by  this  house,  their 
opinion  and  advice  on  the  subject  of  the  existing  custom  of 
administering  private  baptism  without  a  great  and  reasona 
ble  cause,  and  of  using  in  private  the  public  office  ;  and 
also  on  the  subject  of  the  proper  qualifications  of  sponsors 
in  baptism.  4 

The  report  as  amended  was  adopted  as  follows,  and  sent 
to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

REPORT. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  in  compliance  with 
the  45th  Canon,  have  taken  a  general  view  of  the  state  of  the 
Church,  and  offer  to  the  House  of  Bishops  the  result  of  their 
inquiries,  respectfully  requesting  that  venerable  body  to  draw 
up,  and  cause  to  be  published,  a  pastoral  letter  to  the  members 
of  the  Church. 

MAINE. 

The  Church  in  the  State  of  Maine,  which,  for  many  years, 
had  become  greatly  depressed  and  almost  extinct,  has,  within  a 
few  years,  assumed  a  more  flourishing  aspect.  It  consists  of  two 
congregations — the  one  in  Gardiner,  the  other  in  Portland. 
Both  of  these  congregations  are  supplied  with  pastors,  whose 
labours  have  succeeded  to  the  extent  of  the  rational  expectations 
of  the  friends  of  the  Church.  Rev.  G.  W.  Olney,  is  the  Rector 
of  Christ  Church,  Gardiner ;  and  Rev.  P.  S.  Ten  Broeck  of  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Portland. 

Agreeably  to  the  recommendation  of  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Griswold,  a  Convention  of  delegates  from  those  Churches  was 
held  in  Brunswick,  on  the  3d  day  of  May,  1820,  at  which  time 
they  acceded  to  the  Constitution  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  and  elected  delegates 
to  the  General  Convention.  They  are  again  annexed  to  the 
Eastern  Diocese. 

NEW    HAMPSHIRE. 

There  are  nine  Episcopal  Churches  in  this  State.  St.  John's 
Church  in  Portsmouth,  of  which  the  Rev.  Charles  Burroughs  is 


1820.]          JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  529 

Rector,  has  eighty  families,  eighty  communicants,  and  about 
seventy  catechumens ;  and  reports,  during  the  last  three  years, 
fifty-three  baptisms,  twenty-two  deaths,  and  three  marriages. 
Trinity  Church  in  Holderness,  of  which  the  Rev.  Robert  Fowle 
is  Rector,  has  about  thirty  families,  and  reports,  during  the  last 
three  years,  twenty-six  baptisms,  eight  marriages,  and  nineteen 
deaths.  Union  Church  in  Claremont,  of  which  the  Rev.  James 
B.  Howe  has  recently  been  instituted  Rector,  in  the  place  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Barbour  who  has  left  the  Church,  reports  ninety-five 
communicants  and  seventy  catechumens.  Major  Ashley  of  that 
town  lately  left  to  the  Church  a  legacy,  which  will  probably 
yield  an  annual  income  of  seven  hundred  dollars.  Another 
Episcopal  Society  has  been  formed  in  the  village  of  Claremont, 
and  they  have  purchased  a  meeting-house  for  a  place  of  worship. 
This  Society  is  associated  with  Union  Church,  and  the  Rev. 
J.  B.  Howe  officiates  for  them  every  third  Sunday.  The  Epis 
copal  Church  in  Cornish  contains  about  twenty  families.  The 
Rev.  George  Leonard  has  been  chosen  its  Rector,  and  officiates 
for  them  every  third  Sunday.  St.  Thomas's  Church  at  Concord, 
was  organized  in  March,  1818,  and  has  thirteen  families,  and 
ten  communicants.  Christ's  Church  at  Bradford,  was  organized 
in  July,  1817,  and  contains  ten  families,  and  reports  thirty-seven 
baptisms.  St.  Peter's  Church,  Drewsville,  has  been  formed 
three  years,  has  an  annual  income  of  one  hundred  and  thirty 
dollars  from  Church  property,  and  has  ten  families,  who  pro 
pose  soen  to  erect  a  chapel.  Christ's  Church  at  Hopkinton,  has 
twenty  families.  In  the  vacant  Churches  of  this  State,  religious 
services  are  generally  performed  by  lay  readers,  and  occasionally 
they  have  been  favoured  with  the  labours  of  missionaries. 

MASSACHUSETTS.  . 

The  Church  in  this  State  still  continues  in  as  flourishing  a 
situation  as  it  was  at  the  time  of  the  meeting  of  the  last  General 
Convention.  The  Church  at  Marblehead  has  been  vacated  by 
the  removal  of  the  Rev  B.  B.  Smith  to  the  Diocese  of  Virginia, 
and  this,  it  is  believed,  is  the  only  change  of  importance  that 
has  taken  place.  There  is  a  very  general  attention  paid  to  the 
observance  of  the  Canons  and  Rubrics,  and,  with  but  very  few 
exceptions,  the  established  usages  of  the  Church.  A  large  and 
elegant  stone  church,  of  which  the  Rev.  Samuel  F.  Jarvis,  D.  D., 
has  been  chosen  Rector,  is  now  nearly  completed  in  the  town 
of  Boston,  besides  which,  a  few  small  congregations  have  been 
collected  in  other  towns.  Exertions  are  making  to  call  the 
attention  of  the  friends  of  our  Church  to  the  subject  of  missions 


530      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1820. 

to  such  small  portions  of  our  communion  as  are  to  be  found  in 
many  parts  of  the  State ;  a  circular  letter  for  this  purpose  has 
been  published,  and  it  is  expected  that  much  good  may  result 
fiom  such  a  measure.  On  the  whole,  we  regard  the  situation 
of  the  Church  in  this  State  as  promising. 

The  Churches  in  this  State,  are  Trinity  Church,  Boston,  Rev. 
J.  S.  J.  Gardiner,  D.  D.,  Rector ;  Christ  Church,  Boston,  Rev. 
Asa  Eaton,  Rector,  which  reports,  for  the  last  two  years,  one 
hundred  and  twenty-nine  baptisms,  and  two  hundred  and  thirty 
communicants;  St.  Peter's  Church,  Salem,  Rev.  Thomas  Carlile, 
Rector,  reports,  for  the  last  three  years,  twentv-eight  baptisms, 
and  consists  at  present  of  one  hundred  families  and  fifty-two 
communicants ;  St.  Paul's  Church,  Newburyport,  Rev.  James 
Morss,  Rector,  reports,  for  the  last  two  years,  forty-six  baptisms 
and  eighty-six  communicants ;  St.  James's  Church,  Greenfield, 
and  Trinity  Church,  Montague,  Rev.  Petrus  Strong,  Rector, 
baptisms  for  the  last  year  twenty-three,  communicants  seventy- 
two  ;  Christ  Church,  Cambridge ;  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Hano 
ver,  Rev.  Calvin  Walcott,  Rector,  reports,  for  the  last  year, 
twenty-five  baptisms  and  forty  communicants ;  the  Church  at 
Quincy  reports  sixteen  communicants ;  Trinity  Church,  Marsh- 
field  ;  St.  Matthew's  Church,  South  Boston  ;  Church  at  Bridge- 
water  has  ten  communicants ;  St.  Michael's  Church,  Marble- 
head,  has  twenty-four  communicants;  St.  James's  Church,  Great 
Barrington ;  Church  at  Lenox ;  Church  at  Lanseborough ; 
Church  in  Dedham,  in  which  the  Rev.  Chever  Fech  officiates ; 
and  the  Churches  in  Newton  and  Hoghinton. 

VERMONT. 

The  Church  in  Vermont  appears  to  be  in  a  prosperous  con 
dition  ;  the  number  of  communicants  has  considerably  increased 
since  the  last  report;  three  new  churches  have  been  erected  and 
consecrated,  and  a  subscription  is  now  filled  for  building  another 
this  season  at  Windsor.  A  church  is  also  erecting  at  Guilford, 
which  last  town,  we  are  informed,  has  almost  unanimously 
attached  itself  to  the  doctrines,  discipline  and  worship  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church.  Some  new  congregations  have 
recently  been  organized,  and  all,  it  is  hoped,  are,  through  Divine 
grace,  increasing  in  piety  and  in  the  virtues  of  the  Christian 
life.  Though  there  have  been  some  acquisitions  to  the  number 
of  the  Clergy,  there  is  still  a  want  of  the  labours  of  more,  and 
a  wide  field  is  open  for  their  active  and  pious  exertions  The 
extensive  demesnes  of  the  Church  in  this  State,  are  not  yet 
secured ;  but  a  suit  is  now  pending  before  the  Federal  Circuit 


1820.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      531 

Court  for  their  recovery,  which,  if  gained,  will  place  the  tempo 
ralities  of  the  Church  iu  a  respectable  condition. 

RHODE  ISLAND. 

The  Church  in  Rhode  Island  continues  in  a  prosperous  and 
flourishing  condition.  During  the  last  three  years,  one  new 
church  has  been  erected ;  Sunday  schools  have  been  established 
in  all  the  congregations,  and  the  number  of  communicants  has 
very  considerably  increased.  There  is  a  Church  Missionary 
Society,  in  and  for  that  State,  which  promises  to  be  useful.  lu 
some  of  the  parishes,  at  the  present  time,  there  is  an  awakened 
concern  for  spiritual  things,  and  a  more  than  usual  attention  to 
religious  duties.  There  is  also  generally  a  decided  and  increas 
ing  attachment  to  the  peculiarities  of  our  Commun.on ;  and  it 
is  believed  that,  in  no  one  of  the  United  States,  are  the  order, 
worship  and  rules  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  better,  or  more 
uniformly  regarded. 

T*he  Churches  in  this  State  are :  St.  Michael's,  Bristol,  Right 
Rev.  A.  V.  Griswold,  rector,  who  reports,  for  the  last  three 
years,  ninety-two  baptisms,  and  one  hundred  and  sixty-nine 
communicants.  Trinity  Church,  Newport,  Rev.  Salmon  Wheat- 
on,  rector,  reports,  for  the  last  three  years,  one  hundred  arid 
thirteen  baptisms,  and  'one  hundred  and  fifty  communicants. 
St.  John's  Church,  Providence,  Rev.  N.  B.  Crocker,  rector, 
reports,  for  the  last  three  years,  fifty  baptisms,  and  one  hundred 
and  fifty-nine  communicants.  St.  Paul's  Church,  North  Provi 
dence,  Rev.  J.  L.  Blake,  rector,  reports,  for  the  last  three  years, 
thirty-eight  baptisms,  and  fifty-five  communicants.  At  St.  Paul's 
Church,  S.  Kingstown,  Rev.  Mr.  Burgh,  Deacon,  officiates. 

CONNECTICUT. 

Since  the  last  General  Convention,  in  many  respects,  no 
material  change  has  taken  place.  Of  the  Clergy,  several  have 
removed,  and  some  have  been  added.  The  Notitice  Parochiales 
of  the  Annual  Conventions  evince  a  manifest  increase  of  the 
Church  in  the  Diocese,  many  particulars  of  which  are  necessa 
rily  omitted  in  consequence  of  the  vacancy  of  the  Episcopate 
for  several  years.  But  it  is  with  no  small  satisfaction  we  state 
the  recent  consecration  of  the  Right  Rev.  Thomas  C.  Brownell, 
D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  to  that  sacred  office.  Under  his  ministrations, 
by  the  Divine  blessing,  the  increase  of  the  Church  in  piety, 
numbers,  and  respectability,  is  gradually  advancing.  Since  his 
consecration,  a  number  of  Churches  have  been  visited,  and  the 
holy  rite  of  Confirmation  administered  to  about  four  hundred 
persons. 


532      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1820. 

With  regard  to  the  Fund  for  the  support  of  the  Episcopate, 
it  appears,  from  the  report  of  the  treasurer,  at  the  last  Conven 
tion,  that  it  then  amounted  to  about  sixteen  thousand  dollars ; 
and  there  is  a  probability  that  the  diocesan  will  soon  be  re 
lieved  from  all  parochial  duties. 

The  churches  generally  are  in  good  repair,  and  the  congrega 
tions  remarkable,  not  only  for  their  regular  attendance,  but 
also  for  their  fervency  of  devotion. 

The  Episcopal  Academy  of  the  Diocese,  at  Cheshire,  under 
the  superintendence  of  the  Rev.  Tillotson  Brousou,  D.  D.,  Prin 
cipal,  and  the  Rev.  Asa  Cornwall,  Assistant,  is  nourishing,  and 
the  number  of  students  gradually  increasing. 

On  the  whole,  the  Diocese  is,  at  present,  more  prosperous  and 
nourishing  than  at  any  former  period.  The  greatest  harmony 
prevails  among  the  Clergy  and  Laity,  and  all  are  peculiarly 
united  in  their  attachment  to  the  Liturgy  and  distinctive  doc 
trines  of  the  Church. 

NEW  YORK. 

The  Diocese  of  New  York  consists,  at  present,  of  the  Bishop, 
fifty-six  presbyters,  fifteen  deacons,  and  one  hundred  and 
eighteen  organized  congregations. 

Since  the  last  General  Convention,  the  following  persons 
have  been  admitted,  by  the  Bishop  of  this  Diocese,  to  the  holy 
order  of  deacons: — Asahel  Davis,  Samuel  Nichols,  William  H. 
Northrop  (since  deceased),  George  H.  Norton,  David  Brown, 
Leveret  Bush,  Thomas  Osborne  (since  removed  to  South  Caro 
lina),  Intrepid  Morse  (since  removed  to  Ohio),  Charles  M'Cabe, 
Alexis  P.  Proal,  George  Upfold,  M.  D ,  John  Grigg,  jun., 
James  W.  Eastburn  (since  removed  to  Virginia  and  deceased), 
George  B.  Andrews  (since  removed  to  Connecticut),  James  I. 
Bowden  (since  removed  to  Maryland),  John  V.  E.  Thorn  (since 
removed  to  Pennsylvania),  William  Richmond  (since  removed 
to  Pennsylvania),  Deodatus  Babcock,  William  Barlow,  William 
H  De  Lancey,  Frederick  T.  Tiffany,  and  Benjamin  P.  Aydclott, 
M.  D.,  belonging  to  this  Diocese ;  and  John  Toland,  of  the 
Island  of  St.  Martin's,  West  Indies ;  and,  by  letters  dismissory 
from  the  Right  Rev.,  the  Bishop  of  that  Diocese,  Lemuel  Birge, 
of  Rhode  Island.— Total  24. 

Within  the  same  period,  the  following  deacons  have  been 
ordered  priests : — the  Rev.  Joshua  M.  Rogers,  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Johnston  (since  removed  to  Ohio),  the  Rev.  Ezekiel  G.  Gear, 
the  Rev.  Gregory  T.  Bedell  (since  removed  to  North  Carolina), 
the  Rev.  Nathaniel  F.  Bruce,  M.  D.,  (since  removed  to  Con 
necticut),  the  Rev.  Charles  W.  Hamilton,  the  Rev.  David 


1820.]  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  533 

Brown,  the  Rev.  George  H.  Norton,  the  Rev.  Henry  Anthon, 
the  Rev.  Thomas  Breintuall,  from  Pennsylvania,  the  Rev.  Hugh 
Smith  (since  removed  to  Georgia),  the  Rev.  Lucius  Smith,  from 
Connecticut,  and  the  Rev  Samuel  Nichols,  of  this  Diocese ;  and 
the  Rev.  John  Toland,  of  St.  Martin's,  W.  I. —Total  14. 

The  following  Clergymen  have  been  instituted  to  the  follow 
ing  Rectorships : — the  Rev.  Evan  M.  Johnson,  to  that  of  St. 
James's  Church,  Newtown,  Queen's  County;  the  Rev.  William 
B.  Lacey,  to  that  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Albany ;  the  Rev. 
Thomas  Breintnall,  to  that  of  Zion  Church,  New  York ;  the 
Rev.  Russell  Wheeler,  to  that  of  Zion  Church,  Butternuts, 
Otsego  County ;  the  Rev.  David  Brown,  to  that  of  St.  James's 
Church,  Hyde  Park,  Dutchess  County ;  and  the  Rev.  Gilbert  H. 
Sayres,  to  that  of  Grace  Church,  Jamaica,  Queen's  County. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  the  following  Clergymen  have  taken 
charge  of  the  parishes  annexed  to  their  respective  names : — the 
Rev.  Nathaniel  Huse,  from  Connecticut,  of  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Paris,  Oneida  County ;  the  Rev.  Samuel  Phiuney,  from  Penn 
sylvania,  of  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Coldenham,  Orange  County; 
the  Rev.  John  Brown,  of  St.  Thomas's  Church,  New  Windsor, 
Orange  County ;  the  Rev.  Charles  M'Cabe,  deacon,  of  St.  James's 
Church,  Milton,  Saratoga  County ;  the  Rev.  Cyrus  Stebbins,  of 
Christ  Church  Hudson,  Columbia  County  ;  the  Rev.  Alexis  P. 
Proal,  deacon,  of  St.  John's  Church,  Johnstown,  Montgomery 
County ;  the  Rev.  George  Upfold,  M.  D.,  Deacon,  of  Trinity 
Church,  Lansingburg  Rensselaer  County,  and  Grace  Church, 
Waterford,  Saratoga  County ;  the  Rev.  David  Huntington,  of 
St.  Peter's  Church,  Waterville,  and  St.  John's  Church,  Delhi, 
Delaware  County ;  the  Rev.  Henry  M.  Shaw,  Deacon,  from 
North  Carolina,  of  Trinity  Church,  Utica,  Oneida  County  ;  the 
Rev.  Lucius  Smith,  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Auburn,  Cayuga 
County ;  the  Rev.  Ravaud  Kearney,  of  Trinity  Church,  New 
Rochelle,  West-Chester  County;  the  Rev.  Henry  IT.  Onderdonk, 
of  St.  Ann's  Church,  Brooklyn,  King's  County ;  the  Rev.  Wil 
liam  Barlow,  Deacon,  of  St.  John's  Church,  Canandaigua, 
Ontario  County;  the  Rev.  Samuel  Nichols,  of  St.  Matthew's 
Church,  Bedford,  West-Chester  County ;  the  Rev.  John  Grigg, 
jun.,  Deacon,  of  St.  John's  Church,  Phillipsburgh,  West-Chester 
County  ;  the  Rev.  Jonathan  M  .Wainwright,  from  Connecticut, 
(assistant  minister),  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York ;  the  Rev. 
William  A.  Clark,  of  Christ  Church,  Balston  Spa,  Sarato  a 
County ;  the  Rev.  George  Otis,  Deacon,  from  the  Eastern  Dio 
cese,  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Waddington,  St.  Lawrence  County  ; 
and  the  Rev.  Frederick  T.  Tiffany,  Deacon,  of  Christ  Church, 
Cooperstown,  Otsego  County. 


534  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1820. 

A  number  of  the  Clergy  of  this  Diocese  continue  to  prosecute 
the  arduous  and  all-important  labours  of  the  Missionary  Ser 
vice.  Besides  older  missionaries,  whose  names  appear  in  the 
last  triennial  report,  there  have  been  engaged  in  this  service, 
since  the  last  General  Convention,  the  Rev.  Amos  Pardee,  from 
Massachusetts,  the  Rev.  George  H.  Norton,  the  Rev.  Leveret 
Bush,  Deacon,  the  Rev.  Deodatus  Babcock,  Deacon,  and  the 
Rev.  Francis  H.  Cuming,  Deacon,  from  New  Jersey. 

The  following  persons,  are,  at  present,  candidates  for  orders 
in  this  Diocese: — James  P.  Cotter,  James  P.  F.  Clarke,  William 
B.  Thomas,  George  W.  Doane,  Moses  Burt,  G.  M.  Robison, 
Eleazar  Williams,  Ezra  B.  Kellogg,  John  Garfield,  William 
Jarvis,  William  Thompson,  Richard  Bury,  Lawson  Carter, 
Benjamin  Dorr,  Peter  Williams,  jun,  William  L.  Johnson, 
Alouzo  Potter. 

Since  the  last  General  Convention,  this  Diocese  has  been 
deprived  by  death,  of  the  Rev.  Henry  Moscrop,  the  Rev.  John 
Bowden,  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  William  H.  Northrop,  Deacon,  the 
Rev.  Theodosius  Bartow,  and  the  Rev.  Barzillai  Bulkley.  But 
a  still  more  afflicting  source  of  the  diminution  of  its  Clergy, 
has  been  found  in  the  painful  necessity  of  exercising  Ecclesias 
tical  discipline,  by  the  suspension  from  the  ministry  of  the  Rev. 
Timothy  Clowes,  and  the  Rev.  Nathan  Felch ;  and  the  degra 
dation  of  Thomas  Y.  How,  previously  suspended  under  the  2d 
Canon  of  the  General  Convention  of  1817. 

There  have  been  duly  organized  in  this  Diocese,  and  received 
into  union  with  its  Convention,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Redhook, 
Dutchess  County ;  St.  John's  Church,  Monticello,  Sullivan 
County ;  St.  Paul's  Church,  Buffalo,  Niagara  County ;  St. 
Thomas's  Church,  Mamaroneck,  West-Chester  County ;  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Ticonderoga,  Essex  County ;  St.  Thomas's 
Church,  New  Windsor,  Orange  County  ;  Zion  Church,  Sandy- 
hill,  .Washington  County ;  St.  Paul's  Church,  Turin,  Lewis 
Countv  ;  St.  Michael's  Church,  Genesee,  Ontario  County ;  Zion 
Church,  New  York,  (the  former  corporation  of  this  name  hav 
ing,  upon  the  destruction  of  their  house  of  worship,  been  legally 
dissolved;)  Grace  Church,  Norway,  Herkimer  County;  Christ 
Church,  North  Hampstead,  Queen's  County ;  St.  John's  Church, 
Delhi,  Delaware  County ;  St.  Paul's  Church,  Waterloo,  Seneca 
County ;  and  St.  Peter's  Church,  Verona,  Oueida  County. — 
Total  '15. 

The  following  Churches  have  been  consecrated  by  the  Bishop : 
— St.  Paul's  Church,  Windham,  Greene  County;  Christ  Church, 
Balston  Spa,  Saratoga  County ;  St.  Paul's  Church,  Turin,  Lewis 


1820.]  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  535 

County ;  St.  Paul's  Church,  Waddington,  St.  Lawrence  County ; 
Zion  Church,  Onondaga  Westhill,  Onondaga  County ;  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Richmond,  Ontario  County ;  Zion  Church,  New  York, 
(rebuilt  after  destruction  by  fire ;)  Christ  Church,  Binghamton, 
Broome  County  ;  Zion  Church,  Butternuts,  Otsego  County ;  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Redhook,  Dutchess  County  ;  St.  Philip  s  Church, 
New  York,  (erected  for  the  accommodation  of  the  coloured 
members  of  the  Church  in  that  city ;)  St.  Peter's  Church,  Onei- 
da  Castle,  Oneida  County,  (the  congregation  of  which  is  com 
posed  of  Indians,  and  in  which  there  is  used  a  translation  of  our 
Liturgy  in  the  Mohawk  language ;)  St.  Peter's  Church,  Water- 
ville,  Delaware  County ;  St.  Paul's  Church,  Paris,  Oneida 
County;  and  St.  George's  Church,  Newburgh,  Orange  County. 
—Total  15. 

The  reports  of  the  Missionaries  and  parochial  Clergy,  pub 
lished  in  the  Journals  of  the  last  three  Conventions,  furnish  an 
aggregate  of  four  thousand  six  hundred  and  eighty  nine  bap 
tisms,  of  which  four  hundred  and  nine  are  specified  as  cases  of 
adults,  and  eighty-seven  of  Indians.  The  aggregate  number 
of  Confirmations  is  not  given  in  the  Journals  of  1817  and  18. 
In  1819  the  Bishop  reported  one  thousand  four  hundred  and 
seventy-four.  In  that  and  the  previous  year,  he  confirmed  one 
hundred  and  forty-five  Indians.  The  number  of  Communicants 
reported  at  the  last  Convention,  is  four  thousand  two  hundred 
and  thirty-five. 

No  small  share  of  the  prosperity  of  this  Diocese  is  to  be 
ascribed  to  Missionary  services.  The  number  of  labourers  at 
present  engaged  in  them  is  fifteen.  The  peculiar  situation  of 
the  immense  portion  of  the  Diocese,  formed  by  the  western  dis 
trict  of  the  State,  renders  these  services  indispensable,  and 
should  excite  our  brethren  in  New  York  to  increasing  exertions 
in  their  support ;  while  the  similarity  of  cases  between  that 
section  of  their  State  and  the  new  States  and  Territories  of  our 
Union,  should  command  for  these  services,  as  intimately  con 
nected  with  the  duty  of  extending  Missionary  labours  to  the 
latter,  the  approbation  of  the  Church  generally. 

It  is  proper  that  we  here  notice  the  efforts  made  by  our 
brethren  of  this  Diocese,  for  the  religious  instruction  of  the 
Indians,  within  the  borders  of  their  State.  The  Oneida  tribe 
have  now  a  handsome  and  commodious  church,  and  are  still 
enjoying  the  faithful  services  of  their  licensed  catechist  and 
lay-reader,  Mr.  Eleazar  Williams,  who  is  himself  of  Indian 
extraction,  and  a  candidate  for  holy  orders.  He  leads  their 
devotions  in  their  church,  by  the  use  of  a  translation  of  our 


536      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1820. 

Liturgy  into  the  Mohawk  language ;  in  which  they  join  with 
every  appearance  of  devout  attention,  and  with  the  full  effect 
of  proper  participation.  A  young  Indian  of  the  Onondaga 
tribe,  son  of  a  chief  who  was  killed  in  the  service  of  the  United 
States,  during  the  last  war,  is  now  making  suitable  preparation 
for  devoting  ardent  piety,  great  zeal,  and  natural  talents  of  a 
most  respectable  order,  to  the  work  of  the  Ministry  among  his 
countrymen. 

The  congregations  of  this  Diocese  receive  frequent  visits  from 
the  Bishop.  The  Clergy  are  generally  distinguished  for  con 
scientious  observance  of  the  Canons  and  Rubrics  of  the  Church. 
The  laity,  in  conjunction  with  their  pastors,  have  formed  nu 
merous  associations  for  distributing  the  Holy  Bible,  the  book 
of  Common  Prayer,  and  other  ap proved  religious  books  and 
tracts ;  for  aiding  the  Ecclesiastical  authority  in  the  support  of 
missionaries;  and  for  the  interesting  and  inestimable  charity 
of  Sunday-school  instruction. 

Upon  the  whole,  we  have  reason  to  be  thankful  for  the  con 
tinuance  of  the  Divine  blessing  to  this  portion  of  our  Zion,  and 
to  hope  that  it  proves,  in  some  good  degree,  instrumental  in  that 
promotion  of  the  glory  of  God,  of  the  interests  of  Evangelical 
piety,  and  of  the  eternal  welfare  of  the  human  race,  for  which 
the  Church  of  God  was  established. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

The  state  of  the  Church,  in  the  Diocese  of  New  Jersey, 
through  the  Divine  goodness,  still  continues,  however  slowly, 
to  improve. 

Though  there  has  been  but  one  addition  to  the  number  of 
congregations,  since  the  last  report  (the  Church  at  Paterson), 
yet  there  has  been  an  increase  of  members  and  of  communicants, 
in  several.  More  Clergymen  now  belong  to  the  Diocese,  and 
possess  cures,  than  at  any  former  period.  The  churches,  with 
scarcely  an  exception,  are  in  excellent  repair.  One  of  which, 
St.  Michael's  church,  at  Trenton,  has  been  lately  rebuilt,  in  an 
elegant  style,  and  others  have  been  improved  and  repaired. 
The  vacant  churches  have  enjoyed  the  regular  administration 
of  the  word  and  ordinances,  more  frequently  than  formerly. 
They  have  been  annually  visited  by  the  Bishop,  some  of  them 
oftener ;  several  of  them  by  the  Rectors  in  their  vicinity ;  and 
all  of  them,  by  Missionaries.  There  is,  therefore,  cause  for 
gratitude  to  the  Divine  Head  of  the  Church,  that,  struggling 
with  difficulties  and  discouragements,  as  our  section  of  it  has 
been  for  many  years,  we  are  yet  permitted  not  only  to  live,  but 


1820.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       537 

to  anticipate,  with  considerable  confidence,  a  still  better  state 
of  our  ecclesiastical  affairs. 

Since  the  preceding  General  Convention,  the  Bishop  of  the 
Diocese  has  admitted  to  priest's  orders,  the  Rev.  James  Mont 
gomery,  formerly  a  deacon,  in  the  Diocese  of  Pennsylvania; 
and  to  deacons'  orders,  Samuel  Breighton  Stratton,  (since  re 
moved  to  Maryland,)  Francis  H.  Cuming,  (since  removed  to 
the  Diocese  of  New  York,)  George  H.  Woodruff,  and  Clarkson 
Dunn. 

Two  institutions  have  taken  place  within  the  same  time,  the 
Rev.  James  Montgomery,  to  the  Rectorship  of  St.  Michael's 
Church,  Trenton,  (since  removed  to  the  Diocese  of  New  York;) 
and  the  Rev.  Abiel  Carter,  lately  of  the  Diocese  of  Pennsylva 
nia,  to  the  same  Rectorship. 

Two  candidates  for  holy  orders  have  been  admitted. 

Confirmations  have  been  administered  in  eight  Churches. 
The  number  confirmed,  was  one  hundred  and  fifty-three.  The 
number  of  baptisms  reported  since  the  last  General  Convention, 
is  four  hundred  and  eighty-two,  and  the  present  number  of  com 
municants,  upwards  of  eight  hundred.  The  Rubrics  and  Canons 
of  the  Church  are  generally  observed  with  attention,  and  the 
authority  of  the  Church  respected. 

The  Funds  of  the  corporation  for  the  relief  of  widows  and 
children  of  clergymen  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
this  State;  of  the  Episcopal  Society  for  promoting  Christian 
knowledge  and  piety ;  and  the  Fund  for  supporting  Missiona 
ries,  have  increased  considerably  since  the  last  report.  The 
permanent  Fund  of  the  Episcopal  Society  has  advanced  from 
four  hundred  and  seventy-five  to  upwards  of  eight  hundred 
dollars ;  at  the  same  time,  a  very  considerable  number  of  Bibles, 
prayer-books  and  religious  tracts  have  been  gratuitously  dis 
tributed  by  the  Society,  among  the  needy  members  of  the 
Church,  and  others. 

The  number  of  instituted  Rectors  in  the  Diocese,  is  nine. 
The  whole  number  of  clergymen,  fifteen ;  three  more  than  were 
reported  at  the  last  meeting. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

There  are,  at  this  time,  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  thirty 
clergymen  of  the  Episcopal  Church  ;  the  greater  part  of  whom 
are  engaged  in  the  discharge  of  parochial  duty. 

The  following  persons  have  been  ordained  Deacons,  in  this 
Diocese,  since  the  last  General  Convention : — Richard  S.  Mason, 
Wm.  A.  Muhlenberg,  Henry  R.  Judah,  Samuel  C.  Brinckle, 


538  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1820. 

Manning  B.  Roche,  Thomas  Breiutnall,  William  Westerman, 
Joseph  Spencer,  John  Rodney,  Bird  Wilson,  William  S  Wil 
son,  Charles  G.  Snowden,  John  Johns,  Samuel  Be. con,  Henry 
Pfeiffer,  and  Samuel  Sitgreaves,  jr. 

The  following  Deacons  have  been  ordained  Priests :— the  Rev. 
George  Sheets,  the  Rev.  Albert  A.  Muller,  of  South'  Carolina, 
the  Rev.  Jacob  M.  Douglass,  the  Rev.  Charles  M.  Dupuy,  the 
Rev.  Thomas  P.  May,  the  Rev.  Frederick  Dalcho,  M.  D.,  of 
South  Carolina,  the  Rev.  John  V.  E.  Thorn,  the  Rev.  Bird 
Wilson,  and  the  Rev.  Samuel  Bacon. 

There  are,  at  present,  the  following  candidates  for  orders  in 
this  Diocese : — Samuel  Marks,  Charles  P.  M'llvaine,  Ephraim 
Bacon,  James  Doughen,  John  P.  Baukson,  Robert  Piggot, 
Richard  H  Morgan,  Joseph  Mason,  Peter  Van  Pelt. 

This  Diocese  has  been  deprived,  by  death,  of  the  Rev.  Ab 
salom  Jones,  the  Rev.  Thomas  P.  May,  and  the  Rev.  John 
Campbell. 

St.  Thomas's  Church,  Whitemarsh,  St.  Luke's  Church,  Ger- 
mantown,  and  Christ  Church,  Leacock,  Lancaster  County, 
have  been  consecrated  by  the  Bishop. 

New  churches  are  erecting  at  Lancaster,  Easton  and  Mantua. 

Four  recently  organized  parishes  have  been  received  into 
union  with  the  Convention  of  the  Diocese. 

The  number  of  baptisms  since  the  last  General  Convention, 
has  been  one  thousand  six  hundred  and  sixty-eight,  and  of  con 
firmations,  seven  hundred  and  twenty-four.  The  number  of 
communicants  reported  to  the  last  Diocesan  Convention,  is  one 
thousand  five  hundred. 

From  the  representations  of  the  missionaries  who  are  sent 
out  under  the  patronage  of  the  Society  for  the  advancemeut  of 
Christianity  in  Pennsylvania,  the  agreeable  intelligence  is  de 
rived,  that  a  degree  of  religious  sensibility  is  perceptible  among 
the  members  of  our  communion  generally,  and  an  attachment 
to  the  distinctive  principles  of  our  Church,  which,  it  is  hoped, 
will,  in  time,  lead  to  the  most  beneficial  results.  Under  the 
influence  of  this  pious  zeal,  the  missionaries  who  have  been  sent 
into  the  interior  parts  of  the  State  have  been  thankfully  received 
and  cordially  welcomed ;  and  under  their  labours,  congregations 
have  been  collected  and  organized,  which  will  soon  be  able  to 
erect  for  themselves  places  of  public  worship,  and  support  their 
pastors. 

Societies  have  been  established  and  respectably  supported,  for 
Sunday  School  instruction,  and  for  distributing  the  Book  of 
Common  Prayer,  and  religious  tracts.  The  Episcopal  fund  is 


1820.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      .539 

rapidly  increasing,  and  the  corporation  for  the  relief  of  widows 
and  orphans  of  clergymen  has  an  extensive  fund  which  prom 
ises  to  answer  the  purposes  of  its  establishment. 

Upon  the  whole,  it  may  be  remarked,  that  the  Church  in 
Pennsylvania,  under  the  blessing  of  her  Divine  Founder  and 
Head,  is  as  rapidly  increasing  in  prosperity  as,  when  all  cir 
cumstances  are  considered,  we  have  any  reason  to  expect. 

DELAWARE. 

The  state  of  affairs  and  the  cause  of  religion,  it  is  believed, 
are  certainly  improving ;  and  it  is  hoped,  the  set  time  to  favour 
this  part  of  our  Zioii  is  near  at  hand.  Since  the  last  General 
Convention,  several  churches  in  the  State  have  been  repaired, 
and  placed  in  good  order,  and  have  received  considerable  addi 
tions  of  families  and  communicants.  There  are  fourteen 
Churches  in  this  State,  and  the  most  of  them  have  regular  and 
stated  religious  services ;  and  those,  which  are  not  thus  favoured, 
are  visited  occasionally  by  the  clergy  of  the  State.  The  Church 
in  Wilmington  has  especially  been  favoured  with  God's  bless 
ing  within  two  years  past,  and  has  arisen  from  its  desolate 
state.  At  Newcastle  the  prospect  is  brightening.  The  churches 
in  Kent  county  are  promising.  At  Middletown,  exertions  have 
been  made  to  rescue  the  fine  building  the  congregation  of  Ann's 
possess,  from  dilapidation;  and  the  labour, bestowed  lately  upon 
them,  has  not  been  in  vain. 

The  Conventions  of  late  have  been  more  interesting,  and  are 
well  attended ;  and  the  rules  of  the  Church  are  well  observed. 
The  Churches  in  Sussex  county  are  in  an  improving  State.  Some 
of  the  congregation  have  made  considerable  exertions  to  repair 
their  places  of  worship ;  and  their  labours  have  not  been  in  vain. 

On  the  whole,  we  have  great  reason  to  be  thankful  to  the 
Great  Head  of  the  Church,  that  our  prospects  in  this  State 
justify  the  hope,  that  ere  long,  by  the  faithful  cooperation  of 
the  Clergy  and  Laity,  we  shall  yet  see  more  "  refreshing  times 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,"  and  the  cause  of  our  Zion  in 
this  State  arise  from  the  desolations  of  many  generations. 

There  are,  in  the  State  of  Deleware,  four  officiating  Clergy 
men.  There  are  about  two  hundred  communicants.  There  have 
been  one  hundred  and  fourteen  persons  confirmed ;  and  one 
candidate  received  for  holy  orders,  viz.  Mr.  Wells  Wolfe. 

MARYLAND. 

It  appears  from  the  Journals  of  Conventions  held  in  this 
Diocese  since  the  General  Convention,  that  eight  hundred  and 


540  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1820. 

nineteen  persons  have  been  confirmed,  eight  churches  have  been 
consecrated,  fifteen  persons  have  been  admitted  to  holy  orders; 
eight  to  the  office  of  deacon,  and  seven  to  that  of  priest ;  and 
nineteen  clergymen  have  removed  into  the  diocese,  from  other 
states.  Several  religious  societies  have  been  established  ,and 
some  are  already  productive  of  much  good .  Among  these,  are 
the  "  Prayer  Book  and  Homily  society  of  Maryland,"  "  the 
Baltimore  Female  Tract  society,"  (both  of  which  receive  some 
decree  of  support  from  persons  not  residing  in  that  city,)  and 
the  Sunday  schools  attached  to  the  different  parishes  of  the 
diocese.  In  several  parishes,  where  the  ministry  could  not  be 
obtained  or  supported,  gentlemen,  distinguished  by  their  piety 
and  standing  in  society,  have  received  from  the  Bishop  the  ap 
pointment  of  lay  readers ;  and  thus  are  instrumental  in  preserv 
ing  among  the  members  of  our  Church  their  attachment  to  her 
most  devout  and  excellent  services.  Though  much  pressed  by 
the  cares  of  an  extensive  parish,  containing  about  four  hundred 
families,  the  Bishop  continues  to  discharge  the  duties  of  his  of 
fice  throughout  the  diocese,  and  it  was  remarked  in  his  last 
statement  to  the  annual  Convention,  that,  with  the  possible 
exception  of  some  remote  chapels,  he  had  then  completed  his 
tour  of  Episcopal  visitation. 

The  Canons  and  rubrics  of  the  Church  are,  it  is  believed,  in 
most  respects  generally  observed ;  and  upon  the  whole,  we  are 
allowed  to  cherish  the  hope  that  the  prosperity  of  the  Protest 
ant  Episcopal  Church  continues  to  strengthen  and  increase  in 
Maryland,  that  her  principles  are  better  understood  than  for 
merly,  that  prejudices  once  entertained  against  her  are  re 
moved,  that  there  is  an  increased  attachment  to  her  rites  and 
ordinances,  and  that  true  religion  is  gaining  ground  in  the 
hearts  and  lives  of  her  members. 

VIRGINIA. 

The  Almighty  continues  his  gracious  smiles  to  this  part  of 
his  Church.  Since  the  last  General  Convention  a  considerable 
number  of  new  congregations  has  been  formed,  and  a  large  in 
crease  of  ministers  been  added.  The  number  of  regular  con 
gregations  is  about  fifty,  and  of  officiating  ministers  thirty. 
The  most  delightful  unity  prevails  amongst  the  ministers.  A 
strong  attachment  binds  them  and  their  congregations  together. 
The  conduct  of  communicants  is  becoming  more  and  more  seri 
ous  and  consistent ;  and  very  few  are  now  to  be  found,  who 
bring  reproach  upon  religion  and  the  Church  by  immoralities, 
or  an  attendance  upon  the  vain  and  sinful  amusements  of  the 


1820.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      541 

•world.  The  services  of  the  Church  are  more  punctually  and 
zealously  observed,  and  promise  to  be  esteemed  in  proportion 
as  they  are  duly  understood.  The  ordinance  of  baptism  espec 
ially,  Avhich  has  hitherto  been  so  neglected,  or  lightly  and  pro 
fanely  performed,  begins  to  excite  the  more  serious  attention 
Df  the  clergy  and  laity.  Whereas  the  directions  of  the  rubric 
enjoin  the  most  public  and  solemn  performance  of  it,  where  the 
prayers  of  the  whole  congregation  may  be  obtained,  it  has  been 
too  customary,  either  through  a  false  modesty  or  irreligious  in 
difference,  to  prevail  upon  ministers  to  disobey  the  rubric,  and 
let  down  the  ordinance  to  a  mere  private  ceremony,  which  has 
often  been  accompanied  with  unbecoming  frivolity  and  mirth. 

The  impiety  of  such  a  proceeding  now  appears  in  its  true 
colours ;  and  a  reformation  has  already  begun  and  considerably 
advanced,  which,  it  is  hoped,  will  be  aided  and  supported  by 
the  general  voice  of  the  Church. 

In  this  diocese  a  fund  for  the  Episcopate  has  been  commenced. 

The  College  of  William  and  Mary  has  made  an  offer  which 
promises  important  benefits  to  student •>  of  theology,  and  has 
elected  a  clergyman  of  our  Church  a  professor  therein  who  will 
take  charge  of  such  students. 

A  society  has  been  organized  to  assist  indigent  young  men 
who  are  candidates  for  the  ministry,  and  from  which  the  most 
beneficial  results  may  be  expected. 

NORTH   CAROLINA. 

At  a  period  no  more  remote  than  the  fall  of  1816,  the  Pro 
testant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  state,  was  nearly  at  the  lowest 
point  of  depression.  There  were,  indeed,  some  who  felt  a  live 
ly  interest  in  her  welfare  and  who  wept  when  they  remembered 
Zion.  But,  like  Israel  of  old,  they  hung  their  harps  upon  the 
willows  in  almost  hopeless  anguish.  Even  those  few  houses  of 
God,  which  had,  for  some  years  before,  occasionally  or  statedly 
resounded  with  his  prai.se,  were  closed  and  deserted  ;  and  the 
pious  of  our  communion,  though  attached  both  by  education 
and  principle  to  the  Church  of  their  fathers  despairing  of  seeing 
her  ever  again  arise  from  the  dust,  stood  ready  to  abandon  her 
cause,  and  to  unite  themselves  with  any  among  whom  they 
could  enjoy,  in  any  measure,  the  benefit  of  divine  ordinances. 
But,  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord,  the  set  time  for  Him  to 
have  compassion  upon  this  part  of  Zion  had  come.  He  viewed 
with  an  eye  of  relenting  mercy,  the  desolations  with  which  his 
justice  had  visited  her  sins.  The  prayers  of  the  faithful  were 
heard  by  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  and  the  decree  was 
sent  forth — Let  Jerusalem  be  rebuilt. 


542  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1820. 

In  the  spring  of  1817,  was  held  the  first  Protestant  Episcopal 
Convention,  ever  held  in  North  Carolina.  At  which  were  pres 
ent  lay  delegates  from  four  different  parishes,  and  three  of  tho 
Clergy,  whom  Divine  Providence,  had,  for  the  time  being, 
brought  to  that  state.  Of  these,  two  have  since  removed,  the 
Rev.  Bethel  Judd,  rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Fayetteville,  to 
whom  has  succeeded  the  Rev.  Gregory  T.  Bedell ;  and  the  Rev. 
Jehu  C.  Clay,  rector  of  Christ  Church,  Newbern,  whose  place  is 
now  supplied  by  the  Rev.  Richard  S.  Mason.  Besides  these 
three,  the  Church  in  this  State  is  blessed  at  present,  with  the 
labours  of  four  others,  the  Rev.  John  Avery,  rector  of  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Edenton ;  the  Rev.  John  Phillips,  who  is  settled  in 
Trinity  Church,  Tarborough,  and  performs  stated  services  at 
various  places  in  its  vicinity ;  the  Rev.  William  Hooper,  Profes 
sor  in  the  University  of  North  Carolina;  and  Rev.  Thomas 
Wright,  missionary.  Mr.  Hooper  will  also  act  in  the  capacity 
of  missionary,  as  far  as  it  may  be  in  his  power ;  and  the  Rev. 
John  Toland  is  daily  expected  who  will  engage  in  the  same 
service. 

Besides  these  seven  Clergy,  there  are  at  present  six  candi 
dates  for  holy  orders. — William  M.  Greene,  George  S.  Phillips, 
Robert  Davis,  William  Lowry,  John  Davis,  and  Burton  H. 
Hicocks. 

Since  the  last  General  Convention,  the  Right  Rev.  Richard 
C.  Moore,  D.  D.  has  admitted  the  Rev.  Richard  S.  Mason  to  the 
holy  order  of  priesthood ;  and  William  Hooper,  Thomas  Wright, 
and  Henry  M.  Shaw,  to  that  of  Deacons.  The  last  mentioned 
of  these  gentlemen,  has  since  removed  to  the  diocese  of  New 
York. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  has  also  consecrated  a  new 
church  lately  erected  in  Fayetteville,  by  the  name  of  St.  John's 
Church ;  and  held  confirmation  at  various  places,  where  were 
confirmed  as  follows :  Fayetteville,  sixty ;  Newbern,  fifty  three ; 
Edenton,  thirty ;  Wilmington,  one  hundred  and  thirty-eight  ; 
amounting  in  all,  to  one  hundred  and  eighty-one. 

It  n  ay  tend  farther  to  throw  light  on  the  condition  and  his 
tory  of  the  Church  in  this  State  to  remark,  that,  a  few  years  ago 
the  number  of  communicants  in  all  our  churches  did  not  exceed 
fifty ;  whereas,  they  amount  now  to  more  than  three  hundred 
and  fifty ;  that  besides  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Missionary 
Society  of  North  Carolina,  various  charitable  and  religious 
societies  have  been  established  by  the  members  of  our  commu 
nion  ;  that  Bible  classes  and  Sunday  Schools  are  to  be  found  in 
almost  every  parish ;  and  that  the  baptisms  reported  at  the 


1820.]  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  543 

several  Diocesan  Conventions  since  the  last  General  Conven 
tion,  are  two  hundred  and  seventy-five  ;  of  which,  twenty  are 
stated  to  be  the  cases  of  adults. 

Since  the  Church  was  organized  in  this  State,  ten  parishes 
have,  at  different  times  been  represented  in  the  annual  Conven 
tions  ;  and  at  least  six  more  places  will  organize  Churches  as 
soon  as  they  are  visited  by  the  Missionaries  that  have  lately 
been  appointed  for  that  purpose. 

We  are  happy  in  reporting  that,  as  far  as  we  know  and  be 
lieve,  the  Clergy  in  this  section  of  the  country  strictly  observe 
the  Canons  and  Rubrics  of  the  Church.  The  case  of  private 
baptism  forms,  it  is  believed,  the  only  exception ;  and  in  that 
article,  even,  a  reformation  has  commenced,  which,  we  trust, 
will  ere  long  become  complete  and  universal. 

By  the  pcood  providence  of  our  God,  the  Church  in  this  State 
has  obtained  help  of  the  Lord  at  the  very  time  when  she  seemed 
most  likely  to  become  extinct.  Had  this  help  been  delayed 
but  a  few  years  longer,  death  would  probably  have  swept  away 
all  those  Episcopal  predilections  which  yet  exist  in  every  sec 
tion  of  the  country ;  and  which,  by  the  blessing  of  Heaven,  will 
become  the  seminal  principles  by  which  the  Church,  like  the 
fabled  phoenix,  shall  rise  from  her  ashes.  Her  prospects  are 
every  day  brightening  more  and  more.  Her  friends  are  every 
where  excited  to  hope  and  exertion.  May  their  most  sanguine 
hopes  soon  be  realized !  may  the  great  Head  of  the  Church 
prosper  the  work  !  and  may  this  section  of  Zion  speedily  become 
the  joy  of  the  whole  earth. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

The  diocese  of  South  Carolina,  it  appears,  has  been  deeply 
afflicted  since  the  meeting  of  the  last  General  Convention. 
The  Clergy  and  Laity  of  that  Church  have  not  only  to  deplore 
the  loss  of  their  late  diocesan,  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Dehon,  the 
recollection  of  whose  virtues  and  talents  they  love  to  cherish 
in  their  hearts ;  but  death  hath  also  deprived  them  of  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Percy,  late  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Charleston,  and  of 
the  Rev.  Thomas  Frost,  late  assistant  minister  of  St.  Philip's 
church,  Charleston.  The  Episcopal  office,  however,  was  not 
suffered  long  to  remain  vacant ;  but  was  happily  filled  by  the 
election  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bowen  in  February,  1818,  who  ap 
pears,  from  an  address  of  his  clergy,  to  possess  their  thorough 
confidence  and  affection.  A  fund  for  the  support  of  the  Bishop 
was  likewise  instituted  in  the  same  year,  which  is  progressing 
and  promises  to  effect  the  important  object  it  contemplated. 


544      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1820. 

The  number  of  Clergymen  within  the  diocese  of  South  Caro 
lina,  has  evidently  increased,  and  there  is  yet  no  visible  decline 
of  the  zeal  of  either  the  Clergy  or  the  Laity.  Mr.  David  I. 
Campbell,  Mr.  Francis  P.  Delavaux,  Mr.  Henry  Gibbes,  Mr. 
John  "W.  Chandler,  and  Mr.  William  Wilson,  who  had  been 
received  as  candidates  for  holy  orders  by  Bishop  Dehon,  were 
admitted  to  that  of  deacons ;  the  four  first  named  in  the  diocese 
of  South  Carolina,  and  the  last  in  that  of  Pennsylvania  by 
letters  dinaissory  from  the  former.  Mr.  Edward  Iiutle>  ge,  re 
ceived  as  a  candidate  for  orders  in  this  diocese,  was  ordained 
deacon,  by  virtue  of  letters  dimissory,  in  the  diocese  of  Con 
necticut.  The  Rev.  Frederick  Dalcho,  the  Rev.  Albert  A. 
Muller,  the  Rev.  Maurice  H.  Lance,  the  Rev.  Frances  P. 
Delavaux,  the  Rev.  Thomas  Osborne  (  since  removed  to  the 
diocese  of  Ohio,)  the  Rev.  Alston  Gibbes,  and  the  Rev.  Joseph 
M.  Gilbert  have  within  the  same  period  been  ordained  priests ; 
the  two  first  at  Philadelphia,  and  the  others  in  South  Carolina. 
Several  candidates  are  now  preparing  for  the  ministry  in  that 
Diocese,  and  there  is  a  prospect  flattering  to  the  hopes  of  the 
friends  of  the  Church,  that  it  will  in  this  Diocese  yet  effectually 
be  restored  from  the  state  to  which  it  had,  after  the  Revolu 
tionary  war,  been  reduced.  At  present,  it  appears,  there  are 
more  of  its  parishes  supplied,  than  at  any  intermediate  period 
since  the  war. 

The  Protestant  Episcopal  Society  for  the  advancement  of 
Christianity  in  South  Carolina,  which  was  instituted  a  few  years 
ago,  and  has  prospered  in  an  unexampled  manner,  has  done 
much  good.  This  society  is,  by  its  constitution,  strictly  identi 
fied  w.th  the  Church.  It  devises  and  executes  liberal  things. 
By  its  funds  it  has  helped  to  re-establish  old  parishes,  which 
had  fallen  into  decay.  It  actually  contributes  to  the  support 
of  several  ministers. 

A  society  has  been  also  formed,  consisting  of  young  men  and 
others,  having  missions  for  its  object ;  and  it  has  already  been 
instrumental  of  good  by  the  employment  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Fowler  in  a  quarter  of  the  diocese,  which  had  never  been  visit 
ed  by  an  Episcopal  clergyman  since  the  revolution.  There 
is  a  happy  prospect  of  extending  the  borders  of  our  Church 
farther  into  the  interior  oy  the  formation,  with  the  help  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  society  for  the  advancement  of  Christianity 
in  South  Carolina,  of  congregations  in  one  or  two  of  the  inte 
rior  districts. 

Sunday  schools  have  been  established  in  several  parts  of  the 
diocese,  and  have  been  the  occasion  of  good  to  many,  it  is  hoped, 


1820.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      545 

particularly  to  the  people  of  colour.  They  are,  however,  of  too 
recent  a  date  to  enable  us  to  say  much  abo  t  them.  Tracts 
have  also  been  published  and  distributed  by  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  society  lor  the  advancement  of  Christianity  in  South 
Carolina,  calculated  to  excite  attention,  to  instruct  the  people 
in  pract  cal  religion,  and  to  attach  them  to  the  doctrine,  disci 
pline  and  liturgy  of  the  Church.  Among  those  tracts  is  a  cate- 
echism,  edited  under  the  authority  and  direction  of  the  Bishop 
and  his  clergy,  which  i.-;  explanatory  of  the  one  in  the  book  of 
Common  Prayer.  The  people  of  colour  are  beginning  to  be 
instructed  in  those  doctrines  and  principles  of  the  Christian  re 
ligion,  which  will  tend  to  promote  their  comfort  and  well-being 
here  and  their  everlasting  happiness  hereafter,  Avith  a  prospect  of 
success  ouducive  to  their  improvement  and  amelioration. 

On  the  whole,  the  condition  of  the  Church  in  South  Carolina 
is  favourable.  The  Bishop  has  visited,  since  his  entering  on  the 
duties  of  the  diocese,  almost  every  parish  within  it.  Confirma 
tion  is  regularly  administered.  The  Rubrics  and  Canons  are 
conscientiously  observed.  Both  clergy  and  laity  evince  a  reso 
lution  to  adhere  to  the  order  of  the  Church  and  to  oppose  all 
innovation. 

The  number  of  baptisms,  reported  to  the  Diocesan  Conven 
tions  within  the  last  three  years,  is  eight  hundred  and  thirty- 
nine;  yet  that  number  is  defective,  as  reports  do  not  ap 
pear  to  have  been  received  from  all  the  parishes  every  year. 
The  number  of  communicants  appears  to  be  one  thousand  four 
hundred  and  fifty-seven,  although  that  too  falls  a  little  short  of 
the  truth. 

OHIO. 

By  a  letter  from  the  Right  Rev.,  the  Bishop  of  this  diocese, 
addressed  to  the  House  of  Bishops  in  this  Convention  and  by 
them  transmitted  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  it 
appears  that  the  said  Right  Reverend  Bishop  has  admitted  the 
Rev.  Intrepid  Morse,  Deacon  from  New  York,  to  the  holy  order 
of  priests,  and  Mr.  Benjamin  Birge,  of  Kentucky,  to  that  of 
Deacon  ;  and  has  confirmed,  since  his  settlement  in  his  diocesan 
capacity,  two  hundred  and  thirty-four  persons. 

At  Dayton,  on  the  Miami,  and  in  several  places  in  the  east, 
and  north-east  of  the  State,  new  parishes  have  been  formed. 

The  Clergy  of  the  diocese  are  six,  besides  the  Bishop. — Phil 
ander  Chase,  Jr.,  has  been  admitted  a  candidate  for  holy  orders. 

In  laying  the  preceding  statement  before  the  House  of  Bish 
ops,  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  solicit  their  counsel 
and  their  prayers  for  the  blessing  of  Almighty  God. 


546      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1820. 

In  conclusion,  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  revert 
ing  to  the  notices  of  private  baptisms  in  some  of  the  preceding 
statements,  respectfully  request  the  House  of  Bishops  to  insert 
in  the  pastoral  letter  solicited  by  this  House,  their  opinion  and 
advice  on  the  subject  of  the  existing  custom  of  administering 
private  baptism,  without  great  and  reasonable  cau.se,  and 
using  in  private  the  public  office;  and  also  on  the  subject  of  the 
proper  qualifications  of  sponsors  in  b  iptism. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

W.  H.  WILMER,  PRESIDENT. 
May,  23,  1820. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Carlile  asked  and  obtained  leave  of  absence 
for  the  remainder  of  the  Session. 

The  house  adjourned,  to  meet  at  five  o'clock  this  evening. 

TUESDAY,  5  o'clock,  P.  M. 

The  house  met. 

The  Rev.  Gregory  T.  Bedell,  a  Clerical  Deputy  from 
(North  Carolina,  appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

The  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  the 
Theological  Seminary  was  called  up,  and  the  report  read. 

The  first  resolution  proposed  by  the  Committee,  as  fol 
lows,  was  then  reconsidered. 

1.  Resolved, — That  the  Theological  Seminary  instituted 
at  New  York,  under  the  authority  of  the  last  General  Con 
vention  of  the  Protestant.  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United 
States,  be  transferred  to  and  located  within  the  city  of  New 
Haven  in  the  diocese  of  Connecticut. 

It  was  proposed  to  amend  the  first  resolution,  by  substi 
tuting  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  for  the  "  city  of  New  Ha 
ven,"  which  was  negatived. 

It  was  then  proposed  to  amend  the  resolution  by  striking 
out  the  word  "  New  Haven."  The  question  being  taken 
by  States  it  was  decided  in  the  negative,  as  follows. 

Maine — Clergy,  No  ;  Laity,  No. 

New  Hampshire — Clergy,  No  ;  Laity, . 

Massachusetts — Clergy,  No  ;  Laity,  No. 

Vermont — Clergy,  No  ;  Laity,  No. 

Rhode  Island — Clergy,  No  ;  Laity,  divided. 

Connecticut — Clergy,  No  ;  Laity,  No. 

New  York — Clergy,  Aye  ;  Laity,  No. 

New  Jersey — Clergy,  Aye  ;  Laity,  Aye. 


.• 


1820.]   JOURNAL  OP  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      547 

Pennsylvania — Clergy,  No  ;  Laity,  -No. 

Delaware — Clergy,  No  ;  Laity,  Aye. 

Maryland — Clergy,  No  ;  Laity,  No. 

Virginia — Clergy,  No  ;  Laity,  No. 

North  Carolina — Clergy,  No  ;  Laity,  No. 

South  Carolina — Clergy,  No  ;  Laity, . 

So  the  question  for  striking  out  was  lost. 

The  first  resolution  was  then  adopted. 

The  second  resolution  offered  by  the  Committee  was  then 
taken  up  and  read  as  follows  : 

2.  Resolved, — That  the  management  of  the  said  semi 
nary  be  and  is  hereby  vested  in  a  Board  of  Trustees,  which 
shall  consist  of  the  Bishops  of  the  several  dioceses  within 
the  United  States,  of  twelve  Clergymen  and  twelve  Lay 
men,  to  be  appointed  by  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  at  every  meeting  of  the  General  Convention;  any 
seven  of  whom  shall  be  competent  to  form  a  board  for  trans 
acting  business.  They  shall  have  power  to  collect  and 
manage  funds  for  the  benefit  of  the  seminary ;  to  appoint 
professors  and  teachers  therein,  and  prescribe  their  duties  ; 
regulate  the  admission  of  students,  and  prescribe  the  course 
of  studies  to  be  observed  by  them;  to  make  such  by-laws 
and  regulations  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  government  of 
the  seminary;  and  generally  to  take  such  measures  as  they 
may  deem  essential  to  the  prosperity  of  the  institution. 
The  said  Board  of  Trustees  shall  have  power  to  fill  vacan 
cies  which  may  occur  by  death,  removal  or  resignation  of 
any  Clerical  and  Lay  member  thereof,  and  it  shall  be  their 
duty  to  make  a  full  and  detailed  report  of  their  proceedings 
and  of  the  state  of  the  seminary  to  the  next  General 
Convention. 

It  was  proposed  to  amend  the  resolution  by  inserting 
after  the  word  "institution"  the  following  which  was  agreed 
to  by  the  house  :  "  Provided,  that  the  capital  of  the  sums 
subscribed  and  collected  in  pursuance  of  this  resolution  and 
of  the  resolutions  on  this  subject  passed  at  the  last  General 
Convention,  shall  be  carefully  invested  in  some  secure  and 
productive  fund,  and  shall  remain  inviolate  and  untouched, 
except  for  the  pupose  of  erecting  suitable  buildings  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  seminary;  and  that  the  interest  only 
of  the  said  capital  shall  be  employed  for  the  compensation 


548  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1820. 

of  professors  or  other  current  and  annual  expenditures,  ex 
cept  that  they  may  continue  and  provide  for  the  present 
professor. 

The  following  amendment  was  then  proposed  and  nega 
tived:  to  strike  out  the  words,  "at  every  meeting  of  the 
General  Convention;" — and  insert  at  the  end  of  the  resolu 
tion  the  following  :  "who  may  remove  the  Clerical  and  Lay 
Trustees,  or  any  of  them,  (other  than  the  Bishops)  if  they 
think  proper  so  to  do,  and  to  elect  others  in  their  places." 

The  following  amendment  was  then  proposed :  to  insert 
after  the  words  "  observed  by  them,"  the  following,  "  not 
inconsistent  with  the  Canons  and  the  course  of  studies 
which  is  or  may  be  established  by  the  House  of  Bishops." 

This  amendment  was  under  consideration  when  a  motion 
was  made  to  adjourn. 

Col.  Halsey  asked  and  obtained  leave  of  absence  for  the 
remainder  of  the  session. 

The  house  adjourned. 


WEDNESDAY,  May  24,  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Divine  Service  was  performed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Morss, 
and  a  sermon  preached  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer. 

After  Divine  Service  the  house  met. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton,  and  the  Hon.  Kensey  Johns 
asked  and  obtained  leave  of  absence  for  the  remainder  of 
the  session. 

The  amendment  of  the  second  resolution  on  the  subject 
of  the  Theological  Seminary,  under  consideration  when  the 
house  adjourned  last  evening,  was  called  up  and  agreed  to. 

The  resolution  as  amended  was  then  adopted. 

The  third  resolution  offered  by  the  Committee  was  read, 
considered  and  adopted  as  follows  : 

3.  Resolved, — That  the  Bishops  of  the  several  dioceses 
within  the  United  States,  and  where  there  is  no  Bishop,  the 
Standing  Committee  of  the  diocese,  be  and  they  are  hereby 
earnestly  and  respectfully  requested  to  adopt  such  measures 
as  they  may  deem  most  advisable  to  collect  funds  in  aid  of 
the  Theological  Seminary,  and  to  cause  the  same  when  col 
lected  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Board  of 
Trustees. 


1820.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       549 

The  resolutions  as  amended  were  then  adopted  as  follows, 
and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

1.  Resolved, — That  the  Theological  Seminary,  instituted 
at  New  York,  under  the  authority  of  the  last  General  Con 
vention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United 
States,  be  transferred  to  and  located  within  the  city  of  New 
Haven  in  the  diocese  of  Connecticut. 

2.  Resolved, — That  the  management  of  the  said  semi 
nary  be  and  is  hereby  vested  in  a  Board  of  Trustees  which 
shall  consist  of  the  Bishops  of  the  several  dioceses  within 
the  United  States,  of  twelve  Clergymen  and  twelve  Laymen 
to  be  appointed  by  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies, 
at  every  meeting  of  the  General  Convention;  any  seven  of 
whom  shall  be  competent  to  form  a  board  for  transacting 
business.      They  shall   have  power  to  collect  and  manage 
funds  for  the  benefit  of  the  seminary;  to  appoint  professors 
and  teachers  therein,  and  prescribe  their  duties;    regulate 
the  admission  of  students,  and  prescribe  the  course  of  stud 
ies  to  be  observed  by  them,  not  inconsistent  with  the  Canons, 
and  the  course  of  studies  which  is  or  may  be  established  by 
the  House  of  Bishops :  to  make  such  by-laws  and  regula 
tions  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  government  of  the  semi 
nary,  and  generally  to  take  such  measures  as  they  may  deem 
essential  to  the  prosperity  of  the  institution;  provided,  that 
the  capital  of  the  sums  subscribed  and  collected  in  pursu 
ance  of  these  resolutions,  and  of  the  resolutions  on  this  sub 
ject  passed  by  the  last  General  Convention,  shall  be  care 
fully  invested  in  some  secure  and  productive  fund  and  shall 
remain  inviolate  and  untouched,  except  for  the  purpose  of 
erecting  suitable  buildings  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
seminary;    and  that  the  interest  only  of   the  said  capital 
shall  be  employed  for  the  professors,  or  other  current  or 
annual   expenditure,  except   that   they  may  continue  and 
provide  for  the  present  professor. 

3.  Resolved, — That  the  Bishops  of  the  several  dioceses 
within  the  United  States,  and  where  there  is  no  Bishop,  the 
Standing  Committee  of  the  diocese,  be,  and  they  are  here 
by  earnestly  and  respectfully  requested  to  adopt  such  meas 
ures   as  they  may  deem  most  advisable  to  collect  funds  in 
aid  of   the  Theological  Seminary,  and  to  cause  the  same 
when  collected,  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Treasurer  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees. 


550  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1820. 

The  amendment  of  the  seventeenth  Canon  proposed  by 
the  House  of  Bishops,  was  taken  up,  considered  and  adopt 
ed,  and  notice  of  concurrence  sent  to  that  house. 

Samuel  Sitgreaves,  Esq.,  from  the  Committee  on  the  sub 
ject  of  the  thirty-fifth  Canon  reported  a  Canon,  which  was 
adopted  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

A  Canon  concerning  the  consecration  of  Bishops  in  the 
recess  of  the  General  Convention  and  repealing  the  fifth 
Canon  of  1808  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  and 
adopted  by  this  house,  and  notice  of  concurrence  sent  to 
that  house. 

The  Kev.  Mr.  Boyd  from  the  Committee  on  the  subject 
of  a  missionary  society,  reported  in  favour  of  forming  such 
society,  and  offered  a  constitution,  which  was  considered 
and  adopted  with  amendments  and  sent  to  the  House  of 
Bishops. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops  in 
forming  this  house  that  they  concurred  in  the  resolutions  on 
the  subject  of  the  Theological  Seminary.  With  this  con 
currence  of  the  House  of  Bishops,  was  a  declaration  of  that 
house  on  the  subject,  which  was  read. 

On  motion  Resolved, — That  a  Committee  be  appointed 
to  nominate  Trustees  for  the  Theological  Seminary.  The 
Eev.  Mr.  Morss,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Boyd,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Gadsden, 
William  Meredith,  Esq.,  and  Gen.  Matthias  Nicoll  were 
appointed  to  compose  said  Committee. 

The  house  adjourned  until  5  o'clock,  P.  M. 

WEDNESDAY,  5  o'clock,  P.  M. 

The  house  met. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  ac 
companied  by  a  Canon,  to  govern  in  case  of  a  Clergyman 
declaring  himself  no  longer  a  minister  of  this  Church,  and 
repealing  the  1st  Canon  of  1817.  This  Canon  was  con 
curred  in  by  this  house,  and  notice  sent  to  the  House  of 
Bishops. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Noble,  from  the  Committee  appointed  to 
consider  the  Canon  proposed  on  the  subject  of  Candidates 
for  holy  orders,  reported  the  Canon  with  amendments, 
which  were  considered  and  adopted;  and  the  Canon  as 
amended  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Morss  from  the  Committee  appointed  to 


1820.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      551 

nominate  Trustees  for  the  Theological  Seminary  made  re 
port,  and  the  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  Trustees: 

Rev.  D.  Burhans,  Rev.  H.  Croswell,  Rev.  B.  G.  Noble, 
Hon.  Jonathan  Ingersol,  Hon.  Sam.  Win.  Johnson,  Nathan 
Smith,  Esq.,  Richard  Adams,  Esq.,  Connecticut;  Rev.  Dr. 
Jarvis,  George  Sullivan,  Esq.,  David  Leas,  Esq.,  Massachu 
setts;  Rev.  Nathan  B.  Crocker,  Rhode  Island;  Rev.  J.  M. 
Wain wright,  Isaac  Lawrence,  Esq.,  New  York;  Rev.  Chas. 
H.  Wharton,  D.  D.,  New  Jersey;  Rev.  Jackson  Kemper, 
Rev.  George  Boyd,  William  Meredith,  Esq.,  Pennsylvania; 
Rev.  Dr.  Wyatt,  Francis  S.  Key,  Esq.,  Maryland;  Rev.  Dr. 
Wilmer,  Hon.  Bushrod  Washington,  Virginia;  Duncan 
Cameron,  Esq.,  North  Carolina;  Rev.  Dr.  Gadsden,  Wil 
liam  Hey  ward,  Esq.,  South  Carolina. 

The  resolution  offered  by  Mr.  Kean  on  Friday  last,  on 
the  subject  of  the  place  of  meeting  of  the  next  General 
Convention,  was  called  up,  and  the  blank  filled  with  the 
word  Philadelphia,  and  notice  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Mason  called  up  the  consideration  of  his 
resolutions  on  the  subject  of  the  Calendar  and  improved 
edition  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer.  The  following 
substitute,  proposed  by  William  Meredith,  Esq.,  was  adopt 
ed'  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

Resolved, — That  it  be  respectfully  requested  of  the  House 
of  Bishops,  to  take  measures  for  making  known  any  errors 
or  omissions  in  the  octavo  edition  of  the  Book  of  Common 
Prayer,  published  by  Gaine  in  1793,  which  was  established 
by  the  forty-third  Canon  as  the  standard  book,  so  that  they 
may  be  avoided  or  supplied  in  future  editions  ;  and  that 
they  be  also  respectfully  requested  to  correct  and  supply 
any  errors  or  omissions  in  the  calendar,  and  tables  prefixed 
thereto,  and  to  extend  the  table  of  the  days  on  which  Easter 
will  fall  for  two  cycles  of  the  moon,  from  the  year  of  our 
Lord  1823. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
forming  this  house  that  they  had  non-concurred  in  the  adop 
tion  of  the  proposed  Canon,  entitled  "  Of  the  officiating  of 
persons  not  regularly  ordained,  and  repealing  the  thirty-fifth 
Canon."  This  message  was  accompanied  with  the  reasons, 
in  writing,  of  the  House  of  Bishops,  which  were  read. 

The  following  resolution  was  proposed  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Onderdonk,  and  adopted  by  the  house. 


552  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1820. 

Resolved, — That  a  Committee  of  this  house  be  appointed 
to  take  into  consideration  the  practicability  and  expediency 
of  providing  a  fund  to  be  at  the  disposal  of  the  General 
Convention,  and  that  the  same  Committee  be  requested 
(should  they  deem  it  expedient)  to  report  to  the  next  Gen 
eral  Convention,  a  plan  for  raising  and  maintaining  such  a 
fund,  and  that  they  be  further  empowered  to  collect  and 
hold  any  monies  in  trust,  for  the  disposal  of  the  General 
Convention. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Onderdonk,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kemper,  Richard 
Harrison,  Esq.,  Joshua  Jones,  Esq.,  and  William  Meredith, 
Esq.  were  appointed  the  Committee. 

On  motion  of  Samuel  Sitgreaves,  Esq.,  Resolved, — That 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Kemper,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Boyd,  and  Thomas 
M'Euen,  Esq.  be  a  Committee  on  the  part  of  this  house,  in 
conjunction  with  a  Committee  to  be  appointed  by  the  House 
of  Bishops,  should  that  house  agree  thereto,  to  make  a  col 
lection  of  the  Journals  of  the  General  Convention,  and  of 
the  several  Diocesan  Conventions,  and  of  other  important 
documents,  connected  with  the  history  of  the  Church  in  the 
United  States  ;  and  to  deposit  the  same,  subject  to  the  dis 
posal  of  the  General  Convention,  in  such  hands  as  may  be 
deemed  proper,  for  the  present  and  until  a  further  order  of 
the  Convention. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  all  business  before  this 
house  not  acted  upon,  be  referred  to  the  next  General 
Convention. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
forming  that  they  had  concurred  in  adopting  the  Constitu 
tion  of  a  missionary  society,  sent  by  this  house,  with  some 
amendments,  which  amendments  were  agreed  to  by  this 
house,  and  the  Constitution  was  adopted.  (See  Appendix.) 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  con 
curring  with  the  resolution  of  this  house  on  the  subject  of 
errors  and  omissions  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  and 
informing  that  they  had  appointed  the  Presiding  Bishop, 
with  such  other  persons  as  he  may  choose  to  associate  with. 
him,  their  committee. 

^The  Pastoral  Letter  from  the  House  of  Bishops  was  re 
ceived  and  read. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops  sig- 


1820.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      553 

nifying  their  concurrence  with  the  resolution  of  this  house, 
on  the  subject  of  collecting  Journals  and  other  documents, 
and  informing  that  they  had  appointed  the  Presiding  Bish 
op  their  Committee. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  pro 
posing  an  amendment  to  the  resolution  of  this  house  fixing 
the  place  for  the  next  meeting  of  the  General  Convention, 
by  inserting  New  York  instead  of  Philadelphia;  whereupon 
the  following  resolution  was  proposed:  Resolved, — That 
this  house  concur  in  adopting  the  amendment  proposed  by 
the  House  of  Bishops.  The  question  being  taken  by  States, 
was  decided  in  the  negative,  as  follows: 

Maine — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  Aye. 

New  Hampshire — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity, 

Massachusetts — Clergy,  No;  Laity,  Aye. 

Vermont — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity, 

Rhode  Island — Clergy,  No;  Laity,  No. 

Connecticut — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  Aye. 

New  York — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  Aye. 

New  Jersey — Clergy,  Ave;  Laity,  Aye. 

Pennsylvania — Clergy.  !No;  Laity,  No. 

Delaware — Clergy,  No;  Laity,  No. 

Maryland — Clergy,  No;  Laity,  No. 

Virginia — Clergy,  No;  Laity,  No. 

North  Carolina — Clergy,  Aye;  Laity,  No. 

South  Carolina — Clergy,  Divided;  Laity, 

So  the  question  for  concurring  was  lost,  and  notice  there 
of  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  who  returned  for  answer 
that  they  had  receded  from  their  proposed  amendment  of 
the  resolution  of  this  house  fixing  the  next  meeting  of  the 
General  Convention  at  Philadelphia. 

The  following  persons  were  appointed  managers  of  the 
Missionary  Society: 

Rev.  Jackson  Kemper,  Rev.  George  Boyd,  Rev.  Win. 
Augustus  Muhlenberg,  Messrs  Richard  North,  C.  N.  Bank 
er,  Stephen  North,  John  Read,  John  Claxton,  Charles 
Wheeler,  Israel  Rinsman,  Hugh  De  Haven,  jr.,  and  Richard 
S.  Smith,  Pennsylvania.  Rev.  Christopher  E.  Gadsden, 
D.  D.,  South  Carolina.  Rev.  Gregory  T.  Bedell,  North 
Carolina.  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  Wm.  Meade, 
Hon.  Bushrod  Washington,  Virginia.  Rev.  Wm.  E.  Wyatt, 


554  JOURNAL  OF-THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.          [1820. 

D.  D.,  Kev.  I.  K.  Henshaw,  Maryland.  Rev.  Eichard  D. 
Hall,  Delaware.  Rev.  Abiel  Carter,  New  Jersey.  Rev. 
James  Milnor,  D.  D.,  New  York.  Rev.  Nathaniel  S. 
Wheaton,  Connecticut.  Rev.  Thos.  Carlile,  Massachusetts. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Rudd,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kemper,  and  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Boyd  were  appointed  a  Committee  to  superintend  the 
printing  of  the  Journals  and  the  Pastoral  Letter,  and  notice 
of  this  appointment  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops  who 
returned  for  answer,  that  they  had  appointed  the  Presiding 
Bishop,  and  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart,  a  Committee  to 
unite  with  the  Committee  of  this  house. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  Committee  of  this  house 
appointed  to  superintend  the  printing  of  the  Journal  and 
Pastoral  Letter,  be  directed  to  cause  to  be  printed  one  thou 
sand  copies  of  the  Journal  of  the  present  Convention,  a  like 
number  of  the  Journal  of  the  last  Convention,  and  an  equal 
number  of  the  Pastoral  Letter,  and  also  to  prepare  and  re 
port  to  the  next  General  Convention  the  Constitution  of  the 
Church  as  it  was  originally  adopted  in  1789,  and  the  Canons 
in  the  order  in  which  they  were  adopted,  noticing  in  italics 
the  alterations  in,  and  additions  thereto;  their  report  to  be 
accompanied  by  an  index  of  the  principal  matters  contained 
in  the  Constitution  and  Canons. 

On  motion,  Resolved, — That  the  thanks  of  this  house  be 
presented  to  the  President,  Secretary,  and  Assistant  Secre 
tary  for  the  services  rendered  by  them,  respectively,  during 
the  present  session. 

Pursuant  to  the  request  of  this  house,  the  Right  Rev. 
the  members  of  the  House  of  Bishops  attended  in  the  same, 
for  the  purpose  of  closing  the  session  of  the  Convention  by 
prayer,  which  was  performed  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
White.  Presiding  Bishop: — after  which  the  house  adjourned 
Sine  Die. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies. 

WILLIAM  H.  WILMER,  PRESIDENT. 

Attested,  ASHBEL  BALDWIN,  Secretary. 


JOURNAL 


of  {Bisiopg. 

\       ^ 


(1 1  -v        PHILADELPHIA,  TUESDAY,  May  16,  1820* 

Ml  ***'  day  being  the  day  prescribed  by  the  Constitution 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America  for  the  meeting  of  the  General 
Convention  of  the  same,  and  the  city  of  Philadelphia  hav 
ing  been  appointed  by  the  last  Convention  as  the  place  of 
meeting  at  this  time,  the  Right  Rev.  William  White,  D.  D. 
of  the  diocese  of  Pennsylvania,  the  Right  Rev.  John  Henry 
Hobart,  D.  D.  of  the  diocese  of  New  York,  the  Right  Rev. 
Alexander  Viets  Griswold,  D.  D.  of  the  Eastern  diocese, 
the  Right  Rev.  James  Kemp,  D.  D.  of  the  diocese  of  Mary 
land,  the  Right  Rev.  John  Croes,  D.  D.  of  the  diocese  of 
New  Jersey,  the  Right  Rev.  Nathaniel  Bo  wen,  D.  D.  of  the 
diocese  of  South  Carolina  met  in  the  vestry  room  of  St. 
James's  Church,  at  five  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Agreeably  to  the  established  rules  of  order,  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  White  being  senior  Bishop  took  the  chair  as 
presiding  Bishop  in  this  house. 

The  Rev.  Wm.  Augustus  Muhlenberg  was  appointed 
Secretary  to  the  house. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Butler  and  Rev.  Dr.  Wyatt,  as  a  commit 
tee  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  brought  a 
message  that  their  house  was  organized,  and  that  having 
chosen  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.  President,  the 
Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin  Secretary,  and  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Rudd, 
Assistant  Secretary,  they  were  ready  to  proceed  to  business. 
The  Committee  was  requested  to  state  to  the  House  of 

555 


556  JOURNAL  OF  JHE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1820. 

Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  that  the  House  of  Bishops  was 
also  ready  to  proceed  to  business. 

The  house  proposed  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  to  attend  Divine  Service  to-morrow  at  10  o'clock, 
A.  M.,  and  on  every  subsequent  day  during  the  sitting  of 
the  Convention,  Sunday  excepted,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  stating  that  they  concurred  in  the  above 
proposal. 

Adjourned. 


WEDNESDAY,  May  17,  10  o'clock,  A.  M. 

The  Bishops  attended  Divine  Service  in  St.  James's 
Church. 

Morning  prayer  was  read  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ravenscroft; 
a  sermon  on  the  occasion  of  the  opening  of  the  Convention 
was  preached  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  and  the 
Holy  Communion  was  administered  by  the  Right  Rev.  tho 
Presiding  Bishop,  assisted  by  other  Bishops  present. 

Divine  Service  being  ended  the  house  met  in  the  vestry 
room,  when  the  Right  Rev.  Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.  D. 
of  the  diocese  of  Virginia,  and  the  Right  Rev.  Thomas  C. 
Brownell,  D.  D.y  LL.  D.,  of  the  diocese  of  Connecticut, 
took  their  seats. 

The  following  alteration  of  the  Constitution  which  was 
proposed  at  the  last  General  Convention,  and  by  a  resolve 
thereof  was  made  known  to  the  Convention  of  every  State, 
agreeably  to  the  eighth  article  of  the  Contitution,  was 
adopted,  and  information  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies. 

Resolved, — That  it  is  expedient  to  alter  the  first  article 
of  the  Constitution  of  this  Church,  so  far  as  it  fixes  the 
time  of  the  meeting  of  the  General  Convention  thereof,  by 
striking  out  the  words — "  third  Tuesday  in  May  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  1808,  and  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  May" — and 
inserting  instead  thereof  the  words— -first  Tuesday  in  Octo 
ber,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1823,  and  on  thejirst  Tuesday 
in  October,  &c. 

Adjourned. 


1820.]   JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      557 

THURSDAY,  May  18,  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 

The  Bishops  attended  Divine  Service.  Morning  prayer 
was  read  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Butler,  and  a  sermon  was  preached 
by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart.  After  Divine  Service 
the  house  met.  Present  as  yesterday. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  with  sundry  documents  relative  to  the  Church 
in  Maine,  informing  this  house  that  they  had  recognized  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Maine  as  in 
union  with  the  General  Convention. 

Whereupon  this  house  informed  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  that  they  concurred  in  receiving  the  Church 
in  Maine  into  union  with  the  General  Convention. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  stating  that  they  had  passed  a  resolution  re 
questing  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  to  furnish  a  copy  of 
his  sermon  delivered  at  the  opening  of  this  Convention. 
Whereupon, — Resolved, — That  this  house  concur  in  the 
same  and  also  return  their  thanks  to  Bishop  Moore  for  his 
sermon.  Information  of  the  same  was  sent  to  the  House 
of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

There  was  laid  before  the  house  a  letter  addressed  to  the 
Presiding  Bishop  and  to  the  President  of  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  signed  by  John  Cole,  and  by 
Edward  J.  Cole,  residents  of  Baltimore,  requesting  the  two 
houses  to  give  their  sanction  to  selections  from  the  book  of 
Psalms  in  metre,  to  be  used  in  churches. 

Whereupon  it  was  Resolved, — That  the  house  are  of 
opinion  that  they  cannot  consider  the  merits  of  this  selec 
tion  as  a  subject  of  discussion,  consistently  with  the  resolve 
of  the  two  houses  in  the  Convention  of  1814,  adopted  on 
mature  consideration  and  for  weighty  reasons,  operating 
against  giving  a  conventional  sanction  to  any  publication 
not  issued  as  of  authority  in  this  Church. 

Resolved, — That  this  house  propose  to  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  the  following  instructions  to  be 
observed  in  editions  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer. 

1.  That  special  attention  be  paid  to  the  title  page  and 
table  of  contents,  so  that  nothing  may  be  omitted  or  added. 

2.  That  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  be  distinguished 
from  the  Book  of  Psalms  in  metre,  the  Articles  of  Religion 


558  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1820. 

and  sundry  offices  set  forth  by  this  Church,  viz. — The  form 
and  manner  of  making,  ordaining,  and  consecrating  Bish 
ops,  Priests  and  Deacons — the  form  of  consecration  of  a 
church  or  chapel.  A  prayer  to  be  used  at  the  meetings  of 
Convention,  An  office  of  institution  of  ministers  into  par- 
ish"S  or  Churches — all  of  which  are  of  equal  authority  with 
the  Book  of  Common  Prayer ;  but  which,  when  bound  up 
with  it,  ought  not  to  appear  as  parts  thereof. 

Resolved, — That  this  house  concur  with  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  in  repealing  that  part  of  the 
forty-fifth  Canon  which  requires  the  reading  of  the  Episco 
pal  addresses  inserted  on  the  Journals  of  each  State  or 
Diocesan  Convention  in  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  in  General  Convention. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  bringing  a  memorial  from  the  Convention  of 
the  Church  is  South  Carolina  to  the  General  Convention  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America,  on  the  subject  of  the  Theological  School,  which 
was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  said  school  appointed 
at  the  last  General  Convention. 

A  Canon  entitled — A  Canon  repealing  the  first  Canon 
passed  in  General  Convention  in  the  year  1817  was  proposed 
and  adopted,  and  information  was  sent  to  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

Adjourned. 


FRIDAY,  May  19,  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 

The  Bishops  attended  Divine  Service.  Morning  prayer 
was  read  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wyatt  and  a  sermon  preached  by 
the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Kemp. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  communicating  their  concurrence  in  the  reso 
lutions  passed  by  this  house  yesterday — respecting  the 
application  of  Messrs.  J.  and  E.  Cole  of  Baltimore  for  a 
sanction  of  the  Convention  to  a  proposed  selection  of  the 
Psalms  in  metre — respecting  instructions  to  be  observed  in 
editions  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  and  in  adopting  a 
Canon  repealing  the  first  Canon  passed  in  General  Conven 
tion  of  1817. 


1820.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      559 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  stating  that  they  had  resolved,  that  the  prac 
tice  of  returning  thanks  for  sermons  preached  before  the 
General  Convention  and  requesting  copies  for  publication 
ought  to  be  discontinued. 

The  house  adopted  the  following : 

In  the  Convention  of  1817,  on  the  last  day  of  the  session, 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  requested  the 
House  of  Bishops :  "  to  designate  and  establish  some  spe 
cific  edition  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  without  note 
or  comment,  to  be  considered  as  the  authentic  version  or 
standard,  by  which  the  genuineness  of  all  the  copies  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  used  by  the  members  of  this  Church,  is  to 
be  ascertained;  thereby  to  secure  them  against  perversions, 
and  the  people  of  our  Communion  from  error  either  in  dis 
cipline  or  doctrine." 

It  was  understood,  that  this  call  on  the  Bishops  was  oc 
casioned  by  an  error  in  certain  editions,  in  which  there  was 
a  corrupt  rendering  of  Acts,  vi.  3,  in  contrariety  to  the  orig 
inal,  and  tending  to  sustain  a  species  of  ordination  unknown 
in  Scripture.  It  was  also  understood,  that  the  Bishops 
were  expected  to  bestow  their  attention  on  the  subject  in 
dividually,  after  the  rising  of  the  Convention. 

We  have  accordingly  kept  it  in  our  minds :  and  the  re 
sult  of  our  observation  is,  that  as  in  England  the  printing 
of  the  Bible  is  the  privilege  of  persons  specially  confided  in, 
and  acting  under  the  danger  of  heavy  penalty  in  case  of  the 
non-performance  of  their  trust,  whether  from  design  or  from 
carelessness,  it  will  be  sufficient  to  enjoin  strict  conformity 
to  one  of  these  authorized  editions.  If  incorrectness  is 
found  in  any  of  them,  we  believe  it  to  have  happened  but 
seldom.  In  comparing  our  different  experience,  we  recol 
lected  but  few  instances;  and  in  these  instances,  there  was 
no  injury  to  the  sense. 

In  .recent  English  publications,  an  edition  by  Eyre  and 
Strahan  in  1806  and  again  in  1812,  is  spoken  of  as  the  most 
perfect  extant.  We  have  not  seen  it,  but  are  of  opinion, 
that  on  the  ground  of  the  correctness  of  the  English  edi 
tions  generally  set  forth  under  a  patent,  and  of  what  is  said 
of  this  edition  in  particular,  it  may  be  safely  trusted  to  as  a 
standard. 


560  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.          £1820. 

We  ought  to  caution  against  the  confounding  of  any  of 
the  said  editions  with  others  from  the  same  country,  issued 
by  an  evasion  of  the  law.  This  fraud  is  practiced  by  the 
appending  of  a  few  notes  in  the  lower  margin,  with  the  in 
tent  of  their  being  either  retained  or  cut  off  at  the  pleasure 
of  the  purchaser.  We  have  seen  very  corrupt  copies  of  this 
description,  which  may  be  distinguished  by  attention  to  the 
bottoms  of  the  title  pages. 

In  regard  to  the  editions  which  have  been  printed  within 
the  United  States,  Ave  have  found  them  generally  as  correct 
as  could  have  been  expected,  considering  the  great  difficulty 
of  avoiding  typographical  errors,  and  that  the  press  is  with 
out  responsibility.  We  however  conceive,  that  the  guard 
ing  against  errors  of  any  description  is  an  object  worthy  of 
the  care  of  the  Church. 

The  House  of  Bishops  are  aware  that  the  present  com 
munication  does  not  go  to  the  extent  of  what  was  contem 
plated  by  the  last  Convention :  and  therefore  they  propose 
the  following  resolution  : 

Resolved, — That  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies 
appoint  a  Committee  of  their  body,  who,  together  with  the 
presiding  Bishop  of  the  House  of  Bishops  and  the  Bishops 
of  this  Church  in  New  York,  Maryland  and  New  Jersey, 
shall  in  the  recess  of  the  Convention  take  such  measures  as 
they  may  find  suitable  for  the  establishment  of  a  standard, 
according  to  which  all  copies  of  the  Scriptures  to  be  recom 
mended  to  the  use  of  the  members  of  this  Church  shall  be 
printed. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  stating  that  they  had  passed  a  Canon  entitled 
a  Canon  concerning  Pastoral  Letters. 

The  Canon  was  agreed  to  and  notice  thereof  sent  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

Adjourned. 


SATURDAY,  May  20,  9  o'clock. 

The  Bishops  attended  Divine  Service.  Morning  prayer 
was  read  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rudd  and  a  sermon  preached  by 
the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Croes.  After  Divine  Service  the 
House  met.  Present  as  yesterday. 


1820.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      561 

A  Canon  was  passed,  entitled  a  Canon  in  addition  to  the 
seventeenth  Canon  passed  in  General  Convention  in  1808, — 
and  information  thereof  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  stating  that  they  had  refused  to  concur  in 
altering  the  first  article  of  the  Constitution. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  stating  that  they  had  concurred  in  the  reso 
lution  to  establish  a  standard  Bible,  and  that  they  had 
appointed  the  Rev.  Bird  Wilson,  Eev.  Dr.  Wharton,  Rev. 
Dr.  Wyatt,  Rev.  Mr.  Kemper,  and  Samuel  Sitgreaves,  Esq., 
a  Committee  on  the  part  of  their  House. 

A  report  of  the  Committee  appointed  at  the  last  General 
Convention  on  the  Theological  Seminary,  with  the  Treasur 
er's  report  and  sundry  other  documents,  was  read  and  or 
dered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Adjourned. 


MONDAY,  May  22,  9  o'clock. 

The  Bishops  attended  Divine  Service.  Morning  prayer 
was  read  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tsuchdy  and  a  sermon  preached 
by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Bowen. 

After  Divine  Service  the  house  met.    Present  as  yesterday. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  with  a  proposed  Canon  entitled  a  Canon  in 
amendment  to  the  seventeenth  Canon. 

The  house  adopted  and  sent  to  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies  the  above-mentioned  Canon  with  an  amendment. 

The  committee  appointed  at  the  last  General  Convention 
on  the  subject  of  the  Theological  Seminary  made  an  addi 
tional  report. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  with  a  resolution,  that  it  be  made  known  to 
the  several  State  Conventions  of  this  Church  that  it  is  pro 
posed  to  consider  at  the  next  General  Convention,  and,  if 
deemed  expedient,  finally  to  ratify  an  alteration  of  the  first 
article  of  the  Constitution. 

Whereupon  this  house  concurred  in  the  resolution  and 


562  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENEKAL  CONVENTION.          [1820. 

notice  thereof  was  given  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  stating  that  they  had  concurred  in  the  amend 
ment  of  the  proposed  Canon  amending  the  seventeenth  Canon. 

Adjourned. 


TUESDAY,  May  23,  9  o'clock. 

The  Bishops  attended  Divine  Service.  Morning  prayer 
was  read  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Baldwin  and  a  sermon  preached 
by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Brownell. 

After  Divine  Service  the  house  met.  Present  as  yester 
day.  The  house  adopted  two  Canons — one  entitled  a  Canon 
of  the  consecration  of  Bishops  in  the  recess  of  the  General 
Convention,  and  another  entitled — a  Canon  to  govern  in  the 
case  of  a  minister  declaring  that  he  will  no  longer  be  a  min 
ister  of  this  Church  ;  both  of  which  were  sent  to  the  House 
of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

Information  was  received  that  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  had  adjourned,  to  meet  again  at  five  o'clock 
this  afternoon. 

Whereupon  this  house  adjourned  until  the  same  time. 

5  o'clock,  P.  M. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  this  morning. 

The  report  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies 
on  the  state  of  the  Church,  sent  to  this  house  agreeably  to 
the  requisitions  of  the  forty-fifth  Canon,  was  read  and  com 
mitted  to  the  presiding  Bishop,  with  a  request  that  he 
would  draw  up  the  Pastoral  Letter  of  this  house  contem 
plated  by  the  said  Canon,  and  requested  by  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

Adjourned. 


WEDNESDAY,  May  24,  9  o'clock. 

The  house  met.  Present  as  yesterday.  The  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Kemp  obtained  leave  of  absence  for  the  remainder 
of  the  session. 


1820.}    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      563 

The  house  attended  Divine  Service.  Morning  prayer  was 
read  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Morss  and  a  sermon  was  delivered  by 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer. 

After  Divine  Service  the  house  assembled  in  the  vestry 
room. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  communicating  their  concurrence  in  adopting 
the  Canon — in  addition  to  the  seventeenth  Canon. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  containing  resolutions  relative  to  the  Theo 
logical  Seminary;  which  resolutions  were  adopted  with  the 
following  declaration  annexed  which  was  sent  to  the  House 
of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  House  of  Bishops  inform  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  that  in  concurring  in  the  resolutions  relative 
to  the  Theological  Seminary,  and  in  its  removal  from  the 
city  of  New  York,  they  deem  it  proper  to  declare  that  they 
do  not  mean  by  this  concurrence  to  interfere  with  any  plan 
now  contemplated,  or  that  may  hereafter  be  contemplated, 
in  any  Diocese  or  Dioceses  tor  the  establishment  of  Theo 
logical  Institutions  or  professorships;  and  further  they  deem 
it  their  duty  to  express  the  opinion  that  the  various  sums 
subscribed  having  been  thus  subscribed  under  an  act  of  the 
Convention  establishing  the  Seminary  in  New"  York,  the 
subscribers  who  have  not  paid  are  not  now  bound,  except 
they  think  proper,  to  pay  their  subscriptions,  the  institu 
tion  being  removed  to  a  different  city. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  with  their  concurrence  in  the  Canon — of  the 
consecration  of  Bishops  during  the  recess  of  the  General 
Convention. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  five  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Five  o'clock,  P.  M. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  this  morning. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  stating  that  they  had  concurred  in  adopting 
the  propose^  Canon  entitled  a  Canon  to  govern  in  the  case 
of  a  clergyman  declaring  that  he  will  no  longer  be  a  minis 
ter  of  thin  Church. 

The  house  refused  to  concur  in  the  Canon — of  the  officiat- 


564      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1820. 

ing  of  persons  not  regularly  ordained  and  repealing  the 
ihirty-fifth  Canon — proposed  by  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  and  notice  thereof  was  given  to  that  house 
with  the  following  statement  of  their  reasons  for  non-con 
currence. 

The  Bishops  have  found  by  experience  that  such  min 
isters  in  many  instances  preaching  in  our  churches  and  to 
our  congregations,  avail  themselves  of  such  opportunities  to 
inveigh  against  the  principles  of  our  Communion;  and  in 
some  instances  have  endeavoured  to  obtain  a  common  right 
with  us  in  our  property.  It  is  therefore  not  from  the  want 
of  charity  to  worthy  persons  dissenting  from  us,  but  for  the 
maintaining  of  such  charity,  and  to  avoid  collision,  that  we 
declare  our  non-concurrence. 

The  Bishops  further  declare  their  opinion  concerning  the 
thirty-fifth  Canon,  as  it  now  stands,  that  it  does  not  pro 
hibit  the  officiating  of  pious  and  respectable  persons  as  lay 
leaders  in  our  churches,  in  cases  of  necessity  or  of  expedi 
ency;  nor  the  lending  of  any  church  to  any  respectable 
congregation  on  any  occasion  of  emergency. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  with  a  Canon  entitled  a  Canon,  concerning 
candidates  for  orders. 

The  Canon  was  adopted  and  notice  given  to  the  House 
of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  house  concurred  in  a  proposeji  resolution  from  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  relative  to  the  Book  of 
Common  Prayer,  and  the  presiding  Bishop  was  requested, 
with  such  persons  as  he  may  think  proper  to  associate  with 
him,  to  take  order  on  the  subject  of  that  resolution. 

The  presiding  Bishop  proposed  a  pastoral  letter  to  the 
members  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States,  to  be  published  agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  the 
forty-fifth  Canon,  which  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  House  concurred  in  the  constitution  of  a  Missionary 
Society  for  foreign  and  domestic  missions,  proposed  by  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  with  amendments, 
and  notice  thereof  sent  to  the  said  house. 

The  house  concurred  in  a  resolution  to  collect  the  Jour 
nals,  &c.  proposed  by  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu- 


1820.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       565 

ties,  and  appointed  the  presiding  Bishop  a  Committee  for 
the  purpose  on  the  part  of  this  house. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  with  a  resolution  appointing  the  city  of  Phil 
adelphia  as  the  place  of  meeting  for  the  next  General  Con 
vention. 

The  house  agreed  to  the  resolution  with  an  amendment 
naming  New  York  instead  of  Philadelphia. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  stating  that  they  refused  to  concur  in  the 
proposed  amendment;  whereupon  this  house  agreed  to  re 
cede  from  the  same. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  stating  that  they  had  appointed  a  Committee 
to  superintend  the  publication  of  the  Journals,  whereupon 
this  house  appointed  the  presiding  Bishop  and  Bishop 
Hobart  to  act  in  conjunction  with  that  Committee. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  stating  that  they  were  ready  to  rise  and  re 
questing  tbis  house  to  unite  with  them  in  closing  the  session 
with  prayer. 

Kesolved, — That  this  house  will  attend  in  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  for  the  purpose  specified  in  the 
above  message. 

The  members  of  the  Convention  united  in  singing  the 
one  hundred  and  thirty-third  Psalm,  the  presiding  Bishop 
offered  up  several  appropriate  prayers,  and  dismissed  the 
Convention  with  the  benediction. 

Adjourned  sine  die. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Bishops. 

WILLIAM  WHITE, 

PRESIDING  BISHOP. 

Attested :  WM.  AUGUSTUS  MUHLENBERG,  Secretary. 


566  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1820. 


Canons 


PASSED  IN  GENERAL  CONVENTION,  1820. 

CANON  I. — Repealing  a  part  of  the  forty-fifth  Canon  passed 

in  1808. 

That  part  of  the  forty-fifth  Canon  which  requires  the  Episcopal  addresse  a 
inserted  on  the  Journal  of  each  State  or  Diocesan  Convention,  to  be  read 
in  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  in  General  Convention,  is 
hereby  repealed. 

CANON  II. — Repealing  the  first  Canon  passed  in  1817. 

The  principal  object  contemplated  by  the  first  Canon  passed  in  General 
Convention  in  the  year  1817,  having  been  accomplished  by  the  election 
and  consecration  of  a  Bishop  for  the  Diocese  of  Ohio,  the  said  Canon  is 
hereby  repealed. 

CANON  III. — Concerning  Pastoral  Letters. 

Whereas,  there  is  reason  to  fear  that  the  Pastoral  Letters  issued  from 
time  to  time  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  and  addressed  to  the  members  of 
the  Episcopal  Church,  fail  of  their  intended  effect  for  want  of  sufficient 
publicity:  It  is  hereby  made  the  duty  of  every  clergyman  having  a  pas 
toral  charge,  when  any  such  letter  is  published,  to  read  the  same  to  his 
congregation  on  some  occasion  of  public  worship. 

CANON  IV. — In  addition  to  the  seventeenth  Canon,  passed 

in  1808. 

In  the  case  of  a  minister  of  some  other  denomination  of  Christians 
applying  for  holy  orders  in  this  Church,  the  Standing  Committee  may 
receive  testimonials  of  his  piety,  good  morals,  and  orderly  conduct  from 
twelve  members  of  the  denomination  from  which  he  came ;  provided  the 
members  of  the  committee  have  such  confidence  in  the  persons  thus  testi 
fying,  as  to  satisfy  them  of  the  correctness  of  the  testimony ;  and  also  a 
testimonial  to  the  same  effect  from  at  least  one  clergyman  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church. 

CANON  V. — Amending  the  seventeenth   Canon,  passed  in 

1808. 

When  any  person,  not  a  citizen  of  the  United  States,  who  has  officiated 
as  a  minister  among  any  other  denomination  of  Christians,  shall  apply  for 
orders  in  this  Church,  the  Bishop,  to  whom  application  is  made,  shall 
require  of  him,  (in  addition  to  the  Qualifications  made  necessary  by  tho 
seventeenth  Canon,)  satisfactory  evidence  that  he  has  resided  at  least  one 
year  in  the  United  States,  previous  to  his  application. 


1820.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      567 

CANON  VI. — Of  the  Consecration  of  Bishops  during   the 
recess  of  the  General  Convention. 

If,  during  the  recess  of  the  General  Convention,  the  Chnrch  in  any 
State  or  Diocess  should  be  desirous  of  the  consecration  of  a  Bishop  elect, 
the  standing  committee  of  the  Church  in  such  State  or  Diocese  may,  by 
their  President  or  by  some  person  or  persons  specially  appointed,  commu 
nicate  the  de-ire  to  the  standing  committees  of  the  Churches  in  the  differ 
ent  States  together  with  copies  of  the  necessary  testimonials :  and  if  the 
major  number  of  the  standing  committees  shall  consent  to  the  proposed 
consecration,  the  standing  committee  of  the  State  or  Diocese  concerned, 
shall  forward  the  evidence  of  such  consent,  together  with  other  testimo 
nials,  to  the  Presiding  Bishop  of  the  House  of  Bishops,  who  shall  com 
municate  the  same  to  all  the  Bishops  of  this  Church  in  the  United  States ; 
and  if  a  majority  of  the  Bishops  should  consent  to  the  consecration,  the 
Presiding  Bishop,  with  any  two  Bishops,  may  proceed  to  perform  the 
same ;  or  any  three  Bishops  to  whom  he  may  communicate  the  testimo 
nials. 

The  evidence  of  the  consent  of  the  different  Standing  Committees  shall 
be  in  the  form  prescribed  for  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  in 
General  Convention  ;  and  without  the  aforesaid  requisites  no  consecration 
shall  take  place  during  the  recess  of  the  General  Convention. — But  in  case 
the  election  of  a  Bishop  shall  take  place  within  a  year  before  the  meeting 
of  the  General  Convention,  all  matters  relative  to  the  consecration  shall 
be  deferred  until  the  said  meeting : 

The  fifth  canon  is  hereby  repealed. 

CANON  VII. — To  govern  in  the  case  of  a  minister  declaring 
that  he  will  no  longer  be  a  minister  of  the  Church. 

If  any  minister  of  this  Church  shall  declare  to  the  Bishop  of  the  dio 
cese  to  which  he  belongs,  or  to  any  Ecclesiastical  authority  for  the  trial 
of  clergyman,  or,  where  there  is  no  Bishop,  to  the  Sianding  Committee, 
his  renunciation  of  the  ministry,  and  his  design  not  to  officiate  in  future  in 
any  of  the  offices  thereof;  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Bishop,  or,  where 
there  is  no  Bishop,  of  the  Standing  Committee,  to  record  the  declaration 
so  made.  And  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Bishop  to  admonish,  or  to  sus 
pend  him,  or  to  displace  him  from  his  grade  in  the  ministry,  and  to  pro 
nounce  and  record,  in  the  presence  of  two  or  three  clergyman,  that  the 
person,  so  declaring,  has  been  -admonished,  or  suspended,  or  displaced 
from  his  grade  in  the  minis;ry  in  this  Church.  In  any  diocese,  in  which 
there  is  no  Bishop,  the  same  sentence  may  be  pronounced  by  the  Bishop 
of  any  other  diocese,  invited  by  the  Standing  Committee  to  attend  for  that 
purpose.  In  the  case  of  displacing  from  the  ministry,  as  above  provid 
ed  for,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Bishop  to  give  notice  thereof  to  every 
Bishop  of  this  Church,  and  to  the  Standing  Committee  in  every  diocese, 
wherin  there  is  no  Bishop. 

The  second  Canon  of  1817  is  hereby  repealed. 


568  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1820. 

CANON.  VIII. — Concerning  candidates  for  orders. 

In  addition  to  the  testimonials  produced  by  a  person  wishing  to  become 
a  candidate  for  holy  orders  as  prescribed  by  the  seventh  canon,  he  must 
lay  before  the  Standing  Committee  a  satisfactory  diploma,  or  certificate 
from  the  instructors  of  some  approved  literary  institution,  or  a  certificate 
from  two  presbyters  appointed  by  the  ecclesiastial  authority  of  the  diocese 
to  examine  him,  of  his  possessing  such  academical  learning  as  may  enable 
him  to  enter  advantageously  on  a  course  of  theology. 

When  a  person  applying  to  be  admitted  a  candidate,  wishes  the  knowl 
edge  of  the  Latin  and  Greek  languages  and  other  branches  of  learning  not 
strictly  ecclesiastical  to  be  dispensed  with,  the  Standing  Committee  shall 
not  recommend  him  as  a  candidate  until  he  has  laid  before  them  a  testi 
monial  signed  by  at  least  two  Presbyters  of  the  Church,  stating  that  in 
their  opinion  he  possesses  extraordinary  strength  of  natural  understand 
ing,  a  peculiar  aptitude  to  teach  and  a  large  share  of  prudence. 

Done  in  General  Convention,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  1820. 

BY  OEDEE  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  BlSHOPS. 

WILLIAM  WHITE, 

PBESIDING  BISHOP. 
Attested :  WM.  AUGUSTUS  MUHLEUBERQ,  Secretary. 

BY  OEDEE  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  CtEEICAL  AJSTD  LAY  DEPUTIES. 

WILLIAM  H.  WILMER,  PEESIDEHT. 
Attested :  ASHBEL  BALDWIN,  Secretary. 


1820.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      569 

APPENDIX. 

NO.  I. 
Eeport  and  Documents  on  the  Theological  Seminary. 

REPORT. 

The  Committee  on  the  subject  of  the  Theological  school,  ap 
pointed  by  General  Convention  in  1817,  report  to  the  General 
Convention  now  assembled,  as  follows : 

Before  the  meeting  of  the  committee,  their  chairman  at  the 
desire  of  the  members  individually  addressed  a  letter,  dated 
July  13,  1817,  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bowen,  who  had  been  designated 
by  the  House  of  Bishops,  to  solicit  contributions  in  the  States 
of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland. 
This  letter  detailed  the  reasons  which  were  supposed  to  have 
operated  in  the  founding  of  the  school.  At  the  desire  of  Dr. 
Bowen,  and  with  the  concurrence  of  a  majority  of  the  members 
of  the  committee,  another  letter  dated  December  12,  1817,  was 
prepared,  with  a  blank  to  be  filled  with  the  names'of  any  per 
sons  whom  Dr.  Bowen  might  associate  with  himself  for  the  ac 
complishing  of  the  object.  These  letters  as  also  an  extract  from 
an  address  of  Bishop  Hobart,  to  the  Convention  of  the  Church  in 
New  York,  enforcing  the  importance  and  necessity  of  the  insti 
tution  were  printed,  and  copies  of  them  are  herewith  presented. 
(See  end  of  the  report.} 

On  the  day  on  which  the  first  mentioned  letter  was  issued,  an 
other  in  the  same  words  was  addressed  to  the  Rev. William  H. 
Wilmer,  who  has  been  appointed  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  to 
collect  in  the  States  of  Virginia,  North  and  South  Carolina,  and 
Georgia.  It  has  been  understood  that  some  circumstances  oc 
curred  which  prevented  Mr.  Wilmer's  engaging  in  this  work. 
But  the  duties  assigned  to  him  were  in  some  measure  discharged 
by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Brownell,  who  collected  a  considerable  sum, 
principally  in  the  State  of  South  Carolina. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Burhans  had  been  appointed  by  the  House 
of  Bishops  to  make  collections  in  New  Hampshire,  Massachu 
setts,  Vermont,  Rhode  Island  and  Connecticut :  but  was  pre 
vented  by  sickness  and  death  in  his  family.  Subsequently  there 


570  APPENDIX.  [1820. 

was  an  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  How,  and  the  Rev.  Samuel 
F.  Jarvis ;  and  afterwards  of  the  Rev  Jonathan  M.  Waimvright: 
but  unexpected  hindrances  have  prevented  success  in  that  sec 
tion  of  the  union. 

After  these  preliminary  arrangements  made  by  the  chairman, 
under  the  authority  of  the  committee  individually,  a  meeting  of 
the  committee  was  held  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  on  the  15th 
and  16th  of  January  1818,  at  which  were  present  Bishop  White, 
Bishoo  Hobart,  Bishop  Croes,  Dr.  "Wharton,  Dr.  How,  and  W. 
Meredith,  Esq.  who  acted  as  secretary  of  the  committee.  They 
issued  an  address  to  the  members  of  this  Church,  a  printed  copy 
of  which  is  herewith  presented.  (See  end  of  the  report.^)  They 
also  adopted  the  following  resolutions,  proposed  by  Bishop 
Hobart. 

1  Resolved, — That  the  chairman  be  requested  to  address  a  cir 
cular  letter  to  the  Bishops  and  the  Standing  Committees  of  the 
dioceses  of  New  Jersey,  Maryland  and  Virginia,  (measures  hav 
ing  been  taken  for  the  collection  of  funds  in  the  State  of  New 
York,)  and  to  the  Standing  Committees  of  the  dioceses  where 
there  are  no  Bishops,  enclosing  several  copies  of  the  address  be 
fore  mentioned,  requesting  them  to  take  effectual  measures  by 
the  appointment  of  persons  to  collect  subscriptions  and  other 
wise  in  their  respective  dioceses,  to  provide  funds  for  the  insti 
tution. 

2.  That  the  chairman,  as  Bishop  of  this  Church  in  Pennsylva 
nia,  be  requested,  in  conjunction  with  the  Standing  Committee, 
and  such  other  persons  as  he  may  think  proper,  to  carry  into 
effect  in  his  diocese  the  provisions  of  the  foregoing  resolution. 

3.  That  a  circular  letter,  with  copies  of  the  address  first  men 
tioned,  be  transmitte  1  by  the  chairman  to  each  clergyman  of 
the  Church,  requesting  his  co-operation  and   influence  in  pro 
moting  the  object  of  the  address. 

4.  That  the  Rev.  Dr.  How  be  appointed  with  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Jarvis,  to  collect  subscriptions  in  the  eastern  diocese,  and   to 
receive  instructions  on  this  subject  from  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Griswold,  generally,  and  in  the  town  of  Boston,  from  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Gardiner,  to   each  of  whom  the  chairman  will  address  a 
letter  requesting  his  co-operation  and  influence. 

5.  That  the  Bishops  Avho  are  of  this  committee,  be  authorized 
and  requested  to  make  such  additional  arrangements  relative  to 

,the  appointment  of  agents  and  other  measures,  connected  with 
the  collection  of  monies  for  the  use  of  the  seminary,  as  they 
may  from  time  to  time  think  proper. 

It  was  also  resolved,  that  the  monies  which   may  be  collected 


.1820.]  APPENDIX.  571 

be  deposited  by  the  sereval  persons  collecting,  in  some  safe  bank 
in  the  respective  States,  to  be  drawn  thence  in  such  way  as  this 
committee  may  hereafter  direct ;  the  choice  of  the  place  of  de 
posit  to  be  determined  in  each  case,  by  the  Bishop  and  Standing 
Committee  of  the  diocese,  and,  where  there  is  no  Bishop,  by  the 
Standing  Committee ;  and  that  the  several  collectors  be  request 
ed  to  inform  the  chairman  of  this  Committee,  of  the  amount 
collected  and  of  the  place  where  it  is  deposited,  and  that  the 
Bishops^and  Standing  Committees  be  requested  to  report  to  him 
th  $  measures  Avhich  they  may  have  adopted  to  collect  funds  for 
the  institution. 

And  it  was  further  resolved,  that  the  Rev.  Jackson  Kemper 
be  appointed  Secretary  to  the  chairman  of  this  Committee,  to 
assist  him  in  that  character  in  the  performance  of  the  several 
duties  stated  in  these  resolutions. 

The  duties  committed  to  the  chairman  by  these  resolves,  were 
performed  with  the  assistance  of  the  Rev.  Jackson  Kemper,  ap 
pointed  with  that  view  by  the  Committee ;  who  deem  it  their 
•duty  to  state,  that  on  all  occasions  they  received  the  active  co 
operation  and  important  aid  of  their  chairman. 

Their  next  meeting  was  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  on  the  7th 
and  8th  of  October  1818 ;  at  which  were  present  Bishop  White, 
Bishop  Hobart,  Bishop  Croes,  Dr.  Wharton,  and  William  Mer 
edith,  Esq. ;  at  this  meeting  the  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  ;  the  first  resolve  being  proposed  by  Bishop  White,  and 
the  others  by  Bishop  Hobart. 

1.  Resolved, — That  it  is  expedient  to  carry  into  immediate 
operation,  the  Theological  School  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  and  that  for  this 
purpose,  a  professorship  of  biblical  learning,  comprehending  the 
exposition  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  with  whatever  relates  to  the 
evidences  of  revealed  religion  and  biblical  criticism, — a  pro 
fessorship  of  systematic  theology,  giving  correct  views  of  the 
doctrines  of  scripture  and  of  the  authorities  sustaining  them, — 
a  professorship  of  historick  theology,  giving  correct  information 
of  the  state  of  the  Church  in  all  ages,  and  of  the  Church  of 
England  in  particular  from  the  reformation,  embracing  a  view 
of  the  constitution  of  the  Christian  Church,  of  the  orders  of  the 
ministry,  and  of  the  nature  and  duty  of  Christian  unity, — a  pro- 
iessorship  of  the  ritual  of  the  Church  and  of  pulpit  eloquence, 
comprehending  all  the  points  relative  to  the  liturgy,  to  the 
correct  and  devotional  performance  of  the  service  of  the 
Church,  to  the  composition  and  delivery  of  sermons,  and  to 
the  duties  of  the  clerical  office. 


572  APPENDIX.  [1820. 

2.  That  as  soon  as  the  funds  of  the  institution  will  admit, 
these  professorships  be  filled,  and  the  professors  detached  from 
all  parochial  charge,  and  devoted  solely  to  the  objects  of  the 
institution. 

3.  That,  when  the  funds  of  the  institution  admit,  the  Rev. 
Charles  Henry  Wharton,  D.  D.,  be  appointed  Professor  of  sys 
tematic  theology,  and  that  the  Rev.  Samuel  F.  Jar  vis  be  now 
appointed  Professor  of  biblical  learning,  and  the  Rev.  Samuel 
H.  Turner,  Professor  of  historic  theology ;   and  that  these  two 
last-named  professors  receive  for  the  present,  and  until  they 
can  be  detached  from  parochial  cures  and  devoted  solely  to  the 
objects  of  the  institution,  a  salary  each  of  eight  hundred  dollars 
per  annum. 

4.  That  until  the  other  professorship  be  filled,  and  until  the 
professor  of  systematic  theology  enter  on  the  duties  of  his  office, 
the  subject  of  systematic  theology  be  assigned  to  the  professor 
of  historic  theology,  and  that  the  professor  of  biblical  learning 
and  the  professor  of  historic  theology  provide  by  joint  arrange 
ment  for  the  object  assigned  to  the  professor  of  the  ritual  of  the 
Church  and  of  pulpit  eloquence. 

5.  That  the  professors  be  regulated  in  their  instructions  by 
the  provisions  of  the  Canons,  and  the  course  of  study  set  forth 
by  the  House  of  Bishops ;   that  they   conduct   the  students 
through  all  the  books  prescribed  in  that  course,  making  them 
thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  subjects  of  which  those  books 
respectively  treat ;   that  the  present  professors  provide  for  the 
daily  instruction  of  the  students ;  and  that  when  the  professors 
are  detached   from  parochial  cures,  they  shall  each  be  daily 
engaged  in  instruction ;  that  the  students  be  frequently  exercised 
in  the  devotional  performance  of  the  service  of  the  Church,  and 
in  the  composition  and  delivery  of  sermons ;  and  that  particular 
attention  be  paid  to  their  progress  in  the  spiritual  life,  and  to 
their  correct  views  of  the  nature  and  responsibility  of  the  duties 
of  the  clerical  office. 

6.  That  until  the  further  and  complete  organization  of  the 
institution,  the  Bishops  who  are  members  of  the  committee  be 
charged  with  making  such  temporary  arrangements  as  may  be 
necessary. 

7.  That  as  soon  as  the  funds  will  admit,  theologioal  scholar 
ships  be  established  for  the  education  of  young  men  of  piety 
and  talents,  who  may  be  destitute  of  pecuniary  means. 

8.  That  David  J.  Greene,  Esq.,  of  the  city  of  New  York,  be 
appointed  the  Treasurer  of  this  institution,  with  power  to  collect 
and  receive,  the  monies  which  may  be  subscribed  or  granted 


1820.]  APPENDIX.  573 

for  the  benefit  thereof,  and  to  place  them  at  interest  on  good 
security,  in  trust,  for  the  use  of  the  institution. 

9.  That  the  Bishops  composing  this  committee  be  authorized 
and  requested  to  make  arrangements  for  providing  funds  for 
the  institution,  and  for  this  purpose  to  publish  an  earnest  appeal 
to  the  members  and  friends  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 
stating  the  wants  of  the  Church  with  respect  to  clergymen,  the 
number  of  young  men  of  piety  and  talents  desirous  of  an  edu 
cation  for  the  ministry,  but  who  are  destitute  of  adequate  pecu 
niary  resources,  and  the  indispensable  necessity  of  a  liberal 
endowment  of  the  Theological  Seminary,  to  the  honour,  pros 
perity,  and  vital  interests  o  the  Church. 

The  plan  contemplated  in  the  above  resolutions  not  succeed 
ing,  another  meeting  of  the  committee  was  held  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia,  the  7th  of  February,  1819,  the  same  members 
present  as  at  the  previous  meeting.  A  letter  was  laid  before 
the  committee,  by  Bishop  Hobart,  from  C.  C.  Moore,  Esq.,  of 
the  city  of  New  York,  addressed  to  him,  containing  an  offer 
of  the  grant  of  sixty  city  lots,  provided  the  buildings  of  the 
Theological  school  should  be  erected  thereon.  And  the  follow 
ing  resolves,  proposed  by  Bishop  Hobart,  were  adopted. 

1.  Resolved,  That  the  offer  of  Mr.  Moore  be  accepted,  and 
that  the  buildings  for  the  use  of  the  Theological  Seminary  be 
erected  on  or  near  the  lots  of  ground  granted  by  Mr.  Moore  for 
the  use  of  the  institution 

2.  That  as  the  funds  of  the  institution  do  not  admit  of  the 
adequate  support  of  all  the  contemplated  professors,  the  subjects 
assigned  to  the  professors  of  systematic  divinity,  and  of  the 
ritual  of  the  Church,  and  of  pulpit  eloquence,  be  at  present 
assigned  to  the  professor  of  biblical  learning. 

3.  That  in  consideration  of  the  more  extensive  sphere  of 
duty  assigned  to  the  professor  of  biblical  learning,  and  of  his 
situation  as  having  a  family,  his  salary  be  fixed  at  two  thousand 
five  hundred  dollars  per  annum,  with  a  house,  as  soon  as  one 
can  be  erected  ;  and,  in  the  mean  time,  with  an  allowance  of  five 
hundred  dollars  per  annum  in  lieu  of  a  house,  in  the  expectation 
of  his  applying  himself  solely  to  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of 
his  station, — and  that  the  same  consideration  not  applying  to 
the  professor  of  historic  theology,  his  salary  be  fixed  at  one 
thousand  dollars  per  annum,  in  the  hope  that  the  funds  of  the 
institution  will  speedily  admit  of  a  more  adequate  remuneration 
of  his  services,  and  also  of  securing  to  the  in  titution,  the  learn 
ing  and  talents  of   the  Rev.    Dr.   Wharton,   the  professor   of 
systematic  theology,  agreeably  to  the  re  olution  of  the  9th  of 
October  last. 


574  APPENDIX.  [1520. 

4.  That  the  Bishops,  members  of  this  Committee,  who,  agree 
ably  to  a  resolution  of  the  9th  of  October  last,  were  charged 
with  making  temporary  arrangements  for  the  management  of 
the  seminary,  be  further  directed  to  frame  and  report  to  this 
Committee,  a  plan  for  the  complete  organization  thereof. 

The  Committee  were  induced  to  make  the  arrangements,  con 
tained  in  the  above  resolutions,  in  the  expectation  that  the 
prospect  of  the  permanent  establishment  of  the  institution, 
under  the  professors  appointed,  if  a  sufficient  support  could  be 
provided  for  them,  would  operate  strongly  in  aid  of  the  collec 
tion  of  funds  for  that  object.  No  subsequent  arrangements 
have  been  made ;  the  Committee  being  persuaded  that  some 
new  excitement  is  necessary  in  favour  of  the  contemplated  in  ti- 
tution  ;  and  looking  forward  to  the  approaching  meeting  of  the 
General  Convention,  as  affording  the  only  effectual  means  of 
awakening  the  attention  of  the  members  and  friends  of  the  Prot 
estant  Episcopal  Church,  to  an  object  so  essentially  connected 
with  its  honour  and  prosperity. 

For  the  state  of  the  funds,  the  collections  made,  and  the  sums 
subscribed  and  not  paid,  we  refer  to  the  account  of  the  treas 
urer  and  the  exhibit  annexed.  In  the  State  of  New  York,  the 
sums  subscribed  which  are  considerable,  being  made  payable 
on  the  condition  of  the  whole  sum  subscribed,  amounting  to 
one  hundred  thousand  dollars,  only  a  small  proportion  of  them 
have  been  collected.  A  bequest  of  one  thousand  dollars,  of 
James  M'Evers  of  the  city  of  New  York,  to  Bishop  Hobart  in 
trust  for  a  theological  school,  has  been  paid»  by  him  to  the 
treasurer  of  this  institution.  The  lots  granted  by  Mr.  Moore 
are  at  present  valuable,  and  as  the  city  increases,  might  be 
made  a  source  of  large  revenue.  The  professors  have  con 
ducted  the  instructions  of  the  institution,  according  to  the 
Canons  and  the  course  of  study  prescribed  by  the  House  of 
Bishops. 

SIGNED  BY  ORDER  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  : 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  CHAIRMAN. 
May  20th,  1820. 


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Collections  in  Carolina 
do  Connecticut 

do  New  York 

Dividends  on  Stock, 

Gain  on  purchase  of  Stock, 

Loss,        .... 


Gain  on  sales  of  Stock, 


456000 

11000 

1,576  50 


3225 
1450 

1775 
5925 


6,246  50 
40650 


Et.  Rev.  Bishop  White's  order, 
Salaries,  - 


Balance  consists  of  Stock  3,700, — Cash  1  15 


28  85 
3,000 


3,028  85 
3,701  15 


Exhibit  by  the  Committee^ 

In  addition  to  the  above,  it  appears  from  the  books  of  Dr.  Brownell, 
that  of  the  sums  subscribed  principally  to  the  south  of  Maryland,  $3,180, 
remain  to  be  collected.  And  $15,275  is  the  amount  of  the  sums  subscribed 
in  New  York,  to  be  paid  on  condition  that  the  whole  subscription  shall 
reach  $100,000. 


(576) 


1820.]  APPENDIX.  577 

Documents  &c.,  referred  to  in  the  Report. 
LETTER  TO  THE  Rev.  NATHANIEL  BOWEN,  D.  D., 

PHILADELPHIA,  July  13,  1817. 

REV.  AND  DEAR  SlR, 

With  this  letter,  there  are  sent  to  you  certified  copies  of  ex 
tracts  from  the  Journal  of  the  late  General  Convention,  on  the 
subject  of  a  Theological  school :  And  there  is  subjoined  to  them 
a  certificate  of  your  appointment  to  the  labour  of  soliciting 
donations,  in  certain  specified  States,  for  the  accomplishing  of 
that  object. 

From  the  circumstance  of  your  being  designated  to  this 
work  by  the  Bishops  of  our  Church,  it  ought  to  be  believed  that 
you  are  competent  to  the  stating  of  the  reasons  which  have  oc 
casioned  the  contemplated  solicitation.  Of  your  sufficiency,  no 
one  is  better  satisfied  than  the  writer  of  this  letter.  But,  as  for 
some  years  past  the  founding  of  a  Theological  school  has  been 
a  subject  much  discussed  in  his  personal  intercourse  with  his 
brethren  in  the  Episcopacy,  he  thinks  there  may  be  a  use  in  hU 
stating  to  you,  to  be  communicated  as  in  your  discretion  may 
seem  expedient,  the  important  point  of  view  in  wnich,  to  the 
best  of  his  recollection  and  belief,  the  subject  presents  itself  to 
their  minds,  as  well  as  to  his  own. 

He  perceives  an  inducement  to  this  communication,  in  his 
being  aware,  that  there  are  some  who,  laying  due  stress  on  the 
religious  qualifications  called  for  by  the  ministry,  and  being 
laudably  desirous  of  fencing  the  sanctity  of  its  character  in  this 
respect,  entertain  the  opinion,  that  it  requires  but  a  slender  fur 
niture  of  intellectual  information. 

If  this  opinion  were  carried  much  farther ;  and  if  it  were  con 
tended,  concerning  the  whole  Christian  world,  that  it  has  no 
need  even  of  elementary  instruction,  for  the  benefiting  by  those 
holy  Scriptures,  which  themselves  testify  that  they  were  writ 
ten  for  our  learning,  although  extravagant,  it  would  be  consist 
ent.  On  the  other  hand,  if  it  be  confessed  that  at  least  some 
persons  must  be  possessed  of  what  can  only  be  the  fruit  of  study, 
aided  by  human  art ;  the  only  questions  which  occur,  relate  to 
the  extent  in  which  literary  information  is  necessary,  and  to  the 
persons  who  should  be  especially  looked  to  for  the  possessing  of 
it.  The  result  of  this  train  of  sentiment  must  be  the  conviction, 
that  no  branch  of  learning,  which  has  a  tendency  to  open  the 
sense  of  Scripture,  can  be  foreign  to  the  clerical  department. 
That  especial  importance  attaches  to  the  languages,  in  which  it 
has  pleased  the  Holy  Spirit  to  convey  to  the  world  the  glad  tid- 


578  APPENDIX.  [1820. 

ings  of  salvation,  cannot  consistently  be  denied  by  any,  who 
know  that  "  faith  cometh  by  hearing,  and  hearing  by  the  word 
of  God  :"  by  that  word,  locked  up  in  languages  not  in  common 
use.  It  would  be  easy  to  show,  that  the  like  importance  is  to 
be  ascribed  to  history,  to  chronology,  to  criticism,  and  to  the 
knowledge  of  ancient  customs.  And  there  cannot  be  an  exclu 
sion  of  natural  science,  so  long  as  this  shall  be  a  store-house, 
from  which  the  infidel  draws  his  weapons,  for  the  assailing  of 
the  Christian  fortress. 

It  is  known  to  many,  with  what  dishonest  artifice  the  ene 
mies  of  our  holy  religion  are  continually  bringing  forward 
frequently  refuted  objections,  for  the  deceiving  of  the  ignorant, 
and  the  beguiling  of  the  unstable.  To  whom  shall  such  per 
sons  look,  for  the  being  confirmed  in  their  most  holy  faith,  if 
not  to  those  who  have  consented  to  be  vested  with  the  official 
character  of  its  defenders? 

Besides  the  shock  to  be  expected  from  the  quaiter  of  infideli 
ty,  there  is  that  of  the  obtrusion  of  opinions  grafted  on  the 
word  of  God,  some  centuries  subsequent  to  the  Christian  era ; 
and  from  which  this  Church  was  purged  at  the  time  of  the  ref 
ormation.  From  this  cause  their  arise  questions,  which  re 
spect  even  the  object  of  divine  worship.  It  is  easy  to  solve 
them  satisfactorily  from  the  word  of  God,  and  from  the  prac 
tice  of  the  prim  tive  Church ;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  plausi 
ble  pretensions  are  set  up,  which  not  only  ensnare  weak  minds, 
but  may  even  be  formidable  to  persons  of  considerable  strength 
of  intellect,  if  there  are  wanting  the  resources  for  the  detecting 
of  traditionary  imposture ;  to  which,  of  course,  the  Protestant 
minister  of  the  Gospel  is  at  any  time  ready  to  surrender  any 
portion  of  his  flock;  if  he  does  not  find  in  his  acquirements  a 
counterpoise  to  the  continually  existing  danger. 

Among  Protestants  also  there  are  opinions,  pronounced  by 
our  ecclesiastical  standards  and  institutions,  to  be  far  wide  of 
"  the  faith  which  was  once  delivered  to  the  saints."  On  the  one 
hand,  there  are  denials  of  the  divinity  and  of  the  atonement 
of  the  blessed  person,  than  whom  "there  is  none  other  name 
given  among  men  whereby  they  can  be  saved,"  while,  on  the 
other,  there  are  attached  to  those  essential  truths,  dogmas  un 
known  in  the  Christian  Church,  until  some  hundreds  of  years 
after  its  establishment.  Further,  there  is  the  rejection  of  the 
divine  designation  of  an  order  of  men,  of  whom  it  is  said — "  How 
shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher ;  and  how  shall  they  preach 
except  they  be  sent  ?"  And  there  is  a  disallowance  of  those 
sacraments,  one  of  which  is  "  the  washing  of  regeneration"  ;  and 


1820.]  APPENDIX.  579 

the  other  is  ordained  to  be  "  a  showing  forth  of  the  Lord's 
death  till  he  come."  There  are  named  but  few  of  the  errors, 
which  strip  Christianity  of  some  of  its  most  endearing  proper 
ties.  For  the  sustaining  of  them  the  stores  of  literature  are 
ransacked  and  abused  ;  and  they  must  therefore  be  met  by 
learning  properly  applied. 

It  would  be  an  entire  misunderstanding  of  what  has  been 
stated,  if  it  were  considered  as  holding  up  any  measure  of  theo 
logical  learning,  as  what  may  dispense  with  the  religion  of  the 
heart.  But  it  has  been  found,  that  where  no  just  censure  has 
lain  for  deficiency  in  this  respect,  persons  have  been  seduced 
from  our  pale,  through  the  want  of  pa-toral  ability  to  defend 
its  doctrines  and  its  institutions ;  while  it  has  also  had  the  effect, 
through  the  medium  of  the  lessening  of  the  ministerial  charac 
ter,  to  detach  many  from  an  attendance  on  divine  ordinances, 
and  from  whatever  constitutes  a  visible  profession  of  religion. 
This  is  the  result,  not  only  with  men  of  cultivated  understand 
ings,  who  are  likely  to  be  the  first  to  disesteem  a  pastor  far  be 
low  them  in  the  scale  of  theological  acquirement ;  but  descends 
to  persons  of  the  lowest  grade  in  society,  who  insensibly  receive 
their  impressions  of  official  ability  from  the  higher. 

The  bishops,  in  their  anxiety  for  the  encouragement  of  liter 
ature,  fio  but  endeavour  to  perpetuate  the  character  of  the  ven 
erable  Church  from  which  their  Episcopacy  is  derived ;  and  of 
the  institutions  of  which  they  are  not  ashamed  to  wish  an  imi 
tation  in  this  Church  as  ability  and  other  circumstances  may 
Eermit.  When,  in  the  sixteenth  century,  the  Church  of  Eug- 
ind  disengaged  herself  from  the  yoke  of  a  foregin  hierarchy, 
the  good  would  have  been  evanescent,  if,  with  the  regaining  of 
her  integrity,  she  had  not  cultivated  the  literary  means  of  de 
fending  it  in  the  times  to  follow.  In  every  succeeding  age,  and 
in  the  present  not  less  than  in  any  other,  learned  divines  of  her 
communion  have  ranked  among  the  foremost  in  the  defence  and 
in  the  elucidati  n  of  divine  truth  ;  of  which  their  works  trans 
lated  into  different  languages  of  Europe,  are  imperishable  evi 
dence.  One  reason  of  the  glory  of  the  Church  of  England  in 
this  respect,  are  the  endowments  which  she  possesses,  for 
divines  who  devote  themselves  to  sacred  literature,  as  a  field  of 
labour  distinct  from  that  of  a  parochial  ministry.  For  while 
we  consider  the  latter  department,  as  too  important  to  be  su- 
perceded  by  any  studies  of  the  closet ;  yet,  where  the  one  may 
be  perused  by  a  few  of  the  clergy,  for  the  better  securing  of  the 
proficiency  of  the  whole,  it  is  an  important  gain  to  the  church 
of  Christ;  and  in  part,  the  ground  on  which  a  Theological 
School  is  at  this  time  an  object  of  desire. 


580  APPENDIX.  [1820. 

"While  we  look  up  with  filial  reverence  to  the  example  of  the 
Church  of  England,  we  do  not  withhold  the  tribute  of  praise 
from  those  religious  communions  in  the  United  States,  which 
have  been  before  us  in  their  exertions  to  secure  the  literary  suf- 
ticiency  of  their  future  ministers.  We  honour  their  conduct  in 
this  matter:  we  propo  e  the  liberality  of  their  respective  mem 
bers,  to  the  emulation  of  the  members  of  our  Church :  and  we 
lament  the  lateness  of  similar  industry  and  public  spirit 
among  ourselves.  For  this,  the  only  apology  must  be  the  des 
titute  condition  in  which  our  Churches  were  left  by  the  war  of 
the  revolution;  the  more  immediate  measures,  necessary  for 
the  organizing  of  our  communion,  and  the  demands  for  the 
supply  of  a  ministry,  accommodated  in  some  instances  rather 
to  the  necessities  of  congregations,  than  to  what  it  were  wished 
to  be  considered  as  a  .-tandard  of  sufficiency.  Whatever  may 
be  the  weight  of  these  considerations,  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  the 
time  is  come,  when  there  may  be  successfully  attempted  the 
long  neglected  provision;  and  when  a  claim  may  be  made,  on 
the  ground  of  the  excellency  of  the  institutions  of  this  Church, 
of  its  respectability  in  the  eye  of  the  world,  and  of  the  wealth 
of  a  great  proportion  of  its  members. 

The  preceding  sentiments  have  not  been  expressed  without 
the  being  aware,  that  independently  on  the  establishment  of  a 
Theological  school,  the  learning  called  for  by  the  ministry  may 
be  the  acquirement  of  private  study ;  especially  when  encour 
aged  and  aided  by  parochial  clergymen  of  acknowledged 
talents  and  attainments.  But,  setting  aside  the  danger  of  being 
misdirected  in  the  choice  of  a  guide;  it  must  be  obvious  in  this, 
as  in  every  line  of  literary  pursuit,  first,  in  regard  to  the  teacher, 
that  consummate  ability  is  best  acquired  by  the  devoting  of  all 
his  talents  and  all  his  time,  to  the  specific  branch  for  which  he 
has  been  selected ;  and  further,  in  regard  to  the  learner,  that 
proficiency  is  much  promoted  by  an  association  of  kindred 
minds,  in  the  same  honourable  search  of  truth ;  it  being  the 
best  mean  of  excitement  of  ardour  and  of  the  securing  of  dili 
gence.  Although  these  are  considerations  which  the  reason  of 
the  thing  suggests,  and  which  experience  confirms,  they  ought 
not  to  be  carried  to  the  extent  of  shutting  the  door  to  the  min 
istry  against  a  sufficiency  of  information,  from  whatever  source 
it  may  have  been  obtained.  Nothing  of  this  sort  is  contempla 
ted  by  the  proposers  of  the  present  design  ;  who,  while  they  ad 
vocate  what,  in  their  opinion,  and  in  that  of  the  wisest  men  of 
various  denominations,  is  the  best  expedient  for  the  obtaining 
of  a  learned  ministry,  are  desirous  of  resting  resort  to  the  school 


1820,]  APPENDIX.  581 

on  the  talents  and  the  zeal  which  they  expect  to  be  conspic 
uous  in  its  professors  ;  aud  not  on  an  exclusive  privilege  to  be 
vested  in  them  for  ecclesiastical  education. 

You  will  consider  me,  Rev.  and  dear  sir,  not  as  undertaking 
to  display  fully  the  advantages  to  be  expected  by  our  Church 
from  a  Theological  seminary;  but  only  as  suggesting  hints, 
which  may  be  enlarged  on  by  you  in  onversation,  as  circum 
stances  may  require.  Even  of  going  thus  far,  I  should  doubt 
of  there  being  any  use,  were  it  not,  that  I  hereby  express  my 
own  anxious  desire,  and  testify  to  that  of  my  brethren,  the  other 
bishops,  for  the  success  of  an  euterprize,  in  which  we  fondly 
anticipate  the  supply  of  a  learned  aud  godly  ministry  to  our 
Church,  when  there  shall  be  an  end  of  all  our  cares  and  labours 
in  her  behalf. 

With  my  wishes  and  prayers  for  your  personal  safety  and 
satisfaction  in  the  good  work  before  you,  I  remain,  Rev.  and 
dear  Sir, 

Your  affectionate  Friend  and  Brother, 

WILLIAM  WHITE, 
Bishop  of  the   Prot.  Epis.  Church  in  the 
State  of  Pennsylvania. 


Extracts  from  the  Right  Rev.   Bishop   Hobart'^s  address  to 
the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New  York,  Oct.  22,  1817. 

"  In  the  month  of  May  a  meeting  of  the  General  Con 
vention  of  our  Church  was  held  in  this  city,  which,  from  the 
respectability  of  its  members,  and  the  objec'.s  of  its  counsels, 
excited  great  interest.  Among  the  measures  there  adopted, 
provision  was  made  for  the  establishment  of  a  Theological 
school  under  the  auspices  of  the  General  Convention.  The  cler 
gyman  appointed  to  collect  subscriptions  in  this  diocese  is  pur 
suing  his  arduous  work  with  all  that  zeal  which  a  strong  sense 
of  the  importance  of  the  object  can  inspire;  and  by  the  doc 
uments  with  which  he  is  furnished,  and  his  own  judicious 
representations,  is  calling  forth  the  liberality  of  the  commu 
nity. 

"  But  I  think  I  should  fail  in  my  duty,  if  I  neglected  to  im 
press  on  you  my  brethren,  and  through  you,  on  the  Episcopa 
lians  of  the  diocese,  the  immense  importance  of  the  proposed 
Theological  establishment.  There  cannot  be  an  object  present 
ed  to  them,  which  has  equal  claims  on  their  beneficence. 


582  APPENDIX.  [1820. 

Without  a  ministry  the  Church  cannot  exist ;  and  destitute  of 
a  learned,  as  well  as  a  pious  ministry,  she  cannot  flourish. 
These  are  axioms,  which  it  would  be  an  insult  to  the  under 
standing  of  any  person  to  suppose  that  he  denies  or  doubts. 
As  a  general  proposition,  it  is  also  true,  that  the  ministry  will 
not  be  distinguished  for  learning,  unless  there  are  public  institu 
tions,  which,  in  the  professorships  attached  to  them,  in  the  li 
braries  with  which  they  are  furnished,  and  in  the  association 
ofvouuo-  men  of  similar  pursuits  and  views,  supply  both  the 
mo'st  advantageous  means  of  theological  improvement,  and  the 
most  powerful  motives  diligently  and  faithfully  to  employ  these 
means.  A  candidate  for  orders  thus  situated,  directed  by  able 
affectionate,  and  pious  professors,  having  access  to  richly  fur 
nished  libraries,  associated  in  the  exercises  of  piety,  as  well  as 
in  his  studies  with  those  who  are  preparing  for  the  exalted  of 
fice  of  ministers  of  Christ  and  stewards  of  the  mysteries  of  God, 
would  make  much  greater  and  more  substantial  progress  in  all 
the  preparatory  qualifications  for  the  ministry,  than  if  left  to 
solitary  instruction,  and  solitary  study. 

"But  a  still  further,  and  most  eminent  benefit  of  the  contem 
plated  Theological  school,  will  consist  in  the  pecuniary  aids 
which  it  will  furnish  to  youths  of  piety  and  talents,  who  are  des 
titute  of  the  funds  to  procure  the  necessary  education  for  the 
ministry.  Young  men  of  this  description  have  often  furnished 
the  brightest  examples  of  ministerial  fidelity,  talents,  and  zeal. 
Many  such,  however,  are  now  lost  to  the  church,  from  the  want 
of  funds  with  which  to  aid  them  in  procuring  the  necessary  ed 
ucation.  There  can  be  no  species  of  benevolence  more  grateful 
to  the  friends  of  religion,  and  of  the  temporal  and  eternal  hap 
piness  of  mankind,  than  that  which  takes  a  youth  of  piety  and 
talents,  from  a  state  of  depression  and  obscurity,  and  furnishing 
him  with  the  means  of  education  and  of  theological  study,  pre 
pares  him  for  becoming  the  respectable  and  successful  herald 
of  the  cross  of  the  Redeemer  and  the  dispenser,  under  God,  of 
spiritual  blessings  to  his  fellow  men. 

"  But  for  all  these  purposes — for  the  salaries  of  professors 
for  procuring  libraries,  for  supporting  can  lidates  for  the  minis 
try,  destitute  of  pecuniary  means,  for  erecting  the  requisite 
buildings,  funds  are  necessary,  and  large  funds.  This,  then,  is 
no  ordinary  call  on  the  liberality  of  Episcopalians.  It  is  a 
call,  on  the  successful  issue  of  which,  in  procuring  large  con 
tributions,  depend,  it  not  the  existence,  certainly  the  extension 
and  prosperity  of  their  church.  I  would  respectfully  say  to 
you,  brethren,  especially  my  brethren  of  the  Laity,  and  to  Epis- 


1820.]  APPENDIX.  583 

copalians  in  general — Look  at  what  is  done  in  this  respect,  by 
other  Christian  denominations — professorships  handsomely  en 
dowed,  commodious  buildings,  extensive  libraries,  numerous  stu 
dents.  They  annually  send  forth  ministers  disciplined  by  the 
exercises  of  piety,  and  fitted  by  the  studies  of  the  school  for  the 
eloquent  and  faithful  exercise  of  their  functions.  Ought  we 
not  to  be  alarmed  fur  the  welfare  of  our  own  Church,  destitute 
as  she  is  of  all  public  provision  for  theological  education? 
Benevolent  individuals  of  other  denominations  freely  bestow 
contributions  to  this  object  to  the  amount  of  hundreds,  and  fre 
quently  of  thousands  of  dollars.  Should  we  not  be  excited  to 
at  least,  equal  liberality  in  the  cause  of  a  church  which  has 
every  possible  claim  ou  our  affection,  and  on  our  zealous  exer 
tions  ?  Many  Episcopalians  in  this  city,  and  elsewhere  in  the 
state,  have  already  liberally  contributed.  They  will  have  the 
prayers  and  the  gratitude  of  the  Church,  and  affording  the 
most  effectual  means  of  perpetuating  the  blessings  of  our  holy 
religion,  they  will  have  the  gratitude  of  posterity ;  they  will 
not  be  forgotton,  for  this  good  which  they  have  done,  by  their 
God.  May  iheir  example  be  emulated  by  others ;  may  every 
Episcopalian,  when  called  on  for  his  subscription  to  the  theo 
logical  school,  consider  that  he  is  to  make  his  contribution  to  an 
object  of  more  importance  to  the  interests  of  religion  and  the 
Church,  than  any  other  for  which  he  can  be  solicited;  and 
which,  therefore,  demands  the  largest  exercise  of  beneficence. 

PHILADELPHIA,  December  12,  1817. 
GENTLEMEN, 

IT  having  been  represented  to  me  by  the  mem 
bers,  residing  in  New  York,  of  the  committee  appointed  by  the 
late  General  Convention,  to  carry  into  effect  the  resolution  of 
that  body,  f  >r  the  institution  of  a  theological  seminary,  as  the 
wish  of  Dr  Bowen,  who  had  been  appointed  to  collect  subscrip 
tions  for  the  purpose,  in  the  State  of  New  York,  that  more 
persons  should  be  authorized  to  aid  in  that  duty  ;  and  as  expe 
dient  and  desirable,  in  order  to  the  more  effectual  prosecution 
of  it ;  and  it  being  also  represented,  that  you  are  willing  to 
serve  the  Church  in  this  important  matter ;  viz. 

I  do  accordingly,  by  the  desire,  and  with  the  advice  and  con 
currence  of  a  majority  of  the  above  mentioned  committee,  here 
by  nominate  and  appoint  you  to  collect  subscriptions  for  the 
uses  of  the  General  Theological  Seminary  to  be  instituted  and 
conducted  under  the  authority  of  the  General  Convention  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States ;  request- 


584  APPENDIX.  [1820. 

ing  you  to  use  your  best  exertions  in  this  behalf,  and  to  deposit 
all  such  sums  as  you  may  receive  in  the  hands  of  David  I. 
Greene,  Esq.  cashier  of  the  Phoenix  Bank  in  New  York,  to  be 
by  him  held,  or  invested  in  approved  stock,  subject  to  such  dis 
position  as  may  hereafter  be  made  thereof  by  the  authority  of 
the  General  Convention. 

WILLIAM  WHITE, 

Bishop  of  the  Prot.  Epis.  Church  in  the  Commonwealth  of  Penn 
sylvania,  and  Chairman  of  the  Theological  Committee. 


To  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH 
IN  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

The  committee  of  the  said  Church  appointed  at  the  last  Gen 
eral  Convention  on  the  subject  of  a  Theological  Seminary,  be 
ing  now  assembled  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  address  the 
members  of  their  communion  on  the  important  subject :  and  in 
the  discharge  of  this  duty,  they  enjoy  the  advantage  of  a  una 
nimity  of  opinion,  among  themselves,  manifested  on  the  first 
comparison  of  their  respective  views  of  what  had  been  commit 
ted  to  their  consideration. 

They  perceive  the  importance  of  carrying  the  design  into 
effect,  at  all  events ;  although  doubtless,  it  will  be  with  a  degree 
of  usefulness  bearing  some  proportion  to  the  means  with  which 
they  may  be  supplied,  by  the  liberality  of  those  who  may  con 
sent  with  them  in  the  object  of  their  solicitude.  The  most  es 
sential  supply  of  the  exigencies  of  the  church  in  this  institution, 
will  be  the  appointing  of  three  professors,  whose  respective  ser 
vices  may  be  applied  to  so  many  different  subdivisions  of  theo 
logical  science.  Biblical  learning,  comprehending  the  exposi 
tion  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  with  whatever  relates  to  the  au 
thenticity  of  the  sacred  books,  and  the  correct  translation  of 
them — Systematic  theology,  giving  correct  views  of  the  doctrines 
of  scripture,  with  the  authorities  sustaining  them,  and  what 
may  be  called  historic  theology,  giving  correct  information  of 
the  state  of  the  Church  in  all  ages,  and  of  the  Church  of  Eng 
land  in  particular,  from  the  period  of  the  reformation.  In  this 
subdivision,  will  be  embraced  a  knowledge  of  the  opinions  of 
the  early  fathers,  of  the  constitution  of  the  Christian  Church 
and  of  the  various  orders  of  the  ministry.  It  is  desirable,  that 
provision  may  be  made  for  the  maintenance  of  the  professors  ; 
so  as  to  detach  them  from  all  concerns  of  parochial  cure ;  with- 


1820.]  APPENDIX.  585 

out  which,  the  design  may  be  carried  into  operation,  but  not 
with  equal  prospect  of  benefit  to  the  Church.  It  is  not  improb 
able,  that  the  system  may  be  hereafter  improved,  by  the  ap 
pointment  of  additional  professors,  especially  in  some  of  the 
learned  languages ;  but  whose  subsistence  may  not  be  altogether 
dependent  on  their  professorships. 

The  appointment  of  a  professor,  whose  services  shall  be  de 
voted  to  the  exerc  sing  of  the  students  in  composition  and  de 
livery,  will  be  highly  expedient.  In  the  mean  time,  such  im 
portant  objects  are  not  to  be  unattended  to.  But  whether  they 
may  be  the  most  usefully  attached  to  one  of  the  three  professor 
ships  defined,  or  be  attended  to  by  each  professor,  in  his  sphere, 
iii  exercises  bottomed  on  the  subjects  which  will  be  before  him 
may  be  left  to  future  deliberation. 

The  next  object  of  expense  occuring  to  the  committee,  is  the 
erecting  of  a  building  for  the  di  erent  lectures,  and  for  a  libra 
ry,  the  apartment  for  which  may  serve  as  a  place  of  worship 
for  the  professors  and  the  students.  The  committee  do  not 
contemplate  the  appropriation  of  any  part  of  the  funds,  to  the 
erection  of  a  building  for  the  residence  of  the  students.  The 
accommodation  of  the  professors  with  houses,  which  mav  con 
stitute  a  part  of  their  maintenance  is  however  deemed  desirable. 

But  while  the  committee  calculate,  that  this  institution  will 
furnish  the  means  of  theological  attainments  on  an  extensive 
scale,  to  all  classes  of  candidates  for  orders  ;  they  regard  as  an 
object  of  peculiar  import  nice  the  education  for  the  ministry  of 
young  men  of  piety  and  talents,  who  may  be  destitute  of  pecu 
niary  resources. 

When  the  General  Convention  sanctioned  the  establishment 
of  a  Theological  Seminary,  they  commissioned  three  reverend 
gentlemen  to  solicit  subscriptions  in  the  different  departments 
of  the  United  States.  Two  of  the  reverend  gentlemen  have 
been  prevented  by  other  occupations  from  entering  on  the 
work :  and  the  only  gentleman  who  undertook  it,  found  his  dis 
trict  disproportioued  to  the  fulfilment  of  the  expectations  of  the 
Church. 

Accordingly  the  committee  have  found  it  necessary  to  make 
new  arrangements.  The  persons  appointed  in  consequence  of 
these  arrangements,  will  be  furnished  with  the  necessary  evi 
dences  of  their  authority. 

The  committee  will  finish  their  present  session,  without  those 
details  of  the  projected  seminary,  which,  according  to  a  provi 
sion  of  the  General  Convention,  must  be  submitted  Do  the 
Bishops  of  this  Church,  and  obtain  the  consent  of  the  majority 


586  APPENDIX.  [1820. 

of  them  before  the  plan  can  go  into  operation.  They  defer 
those  details  until  there  shall  be  ascertained  the  amount  of  the 
collections  ;  which  must  govern,  in  determining  the  amount  of 
the  expense  to  be  incurred.  Those  details  have  been  the  sub 
ject  of  serious  deliberation  with  the  committee  ;  but  from  their 
great  importance,  the  committee  are  desirous  of  bestowing  on 
them  still  farther  consideration,  and  they  entertain  the  confident 
expectation,  that  the  plan,  in  its  principles  and  details,  will  be 
satisfactory  to  the  members  of  the  Church  ;  and  agreeable  to 
the  views  of  the  General  Convention,  as  expressed  in  their  reso 
lutions  on  the  subject. 

The  committee  ought  not  to  conclude  this  address,  without 
earnestly  entreating  every  member  of  their  communion,  whom 
providence  may  have  blessed  with  abundance  or  with  compe 
tency,  to  consider  the  proposed  institution,  as  of  the  utmost  im 
portance,  for  the  sustaining  of  its  reputation,  and  for  the  giving 
of  due  effect  to  the  labours  of  its  ministry.  They  would  also 
earnestly  impress  the  necessity  of  extraordinary  liberality  to 
wards  an  institution,  the  establishment  of  which  is  so  funda 
mentally  connected  with  the  interests  and  the  prosperity  of  the 
Church. 

The  committee,  although  not  unaware  that  there  are  some, 
who  conceive  of  the  clerical  calling,  as  requiring  but  a  slender 
furniture  of  intellectual  information,  accommodate  this  address 
to  persons,  who  know,  that  for  the  defending  of  the  Christian 
fortress  against  the  assaults  of  infidelity,  the  ministerial  com 
batant  must  be  possessed  of  weapons  of  defence,  drawn  fr  >m  the 
same  stores  which  they  abuse,  of  history,  of  chronology,  of  crit 
icism,  and  of  natural  science ;  and  that  the  same  preparation  is 
required  for  the  defending  of  the  doctrines  of  the  reformation 
against  traditionary  imposture ;  and  for  the  vindicating  ol  the 
faith  of  the  earliest  and  best  ages  of  the  Church,  against  innu 
merable  novelties  of  modern  times. 

In  all  exertions  for  the  purpose  which  have  been  disclosed, 
this  Church  will  be  treading  in  the  steps  of  the  mother  Church 
of  England  ;  and  will  be  aiming  at  an  imitation  of  attainments, 
which  have  rendered  her  the  most  distinguished  Church  of  the 
reformation.  By  the  act  of  transmitting  to  us  her  episcopacy, 
she  has  deposited  a  trust  in  the  matter  in  question,  and  in  some 
degree  committed  her  reputation  on  the  event  of  a  due  dis 
charge  of  it. 

Even  in  the  circumstances  of  a  great  and  increasing  measure 
of  literary  improvement,  in  a  considerable  proportion  of  the 
memoers  of  this  Church,  there  may  be  perceived  a  motive  for  a 


1820.]  APPENDIX.  587 

proportionate  improvement  of  the  literary  qualifications  of 
those  who  are  to  officiate  among  them  in  the  ministry.  For  it 
is  naturally  the  eflect  of  the  contrary  want  of  qualification,  that 
men  of  cultivated  understanding,  exchange  their  religious  con 
nexion  for  some  other,  in  which  they  are  no  longer  witnesses 
of  what  they  consider  dishonour  done  to  religion  in  general, 
and  to  the  Church  in  which  they  were  baptized  and  educated, 
in  particular ;  or  have  recourse  to  the  worse  retreat  of  the  aban 
donment  of  a  visible  profession,  and  perhaps  to  infidelity. 

Under  the  weight  of  these  considerations,  the  success  of  the 
design  is  now  committed  to  the  blessing  of  God,  through  the 
medium  of  the  solicited  liberality  of  those  who  owe  to  his  bounty 
whatever  they  may  possess,  and  are  dependent  on  him  for  its 
continuance. 

(Signed) 

WILLIAM  WHITE, 

Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania. 
JOHN  HENRY  HOBART, 

Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
State  of  New  York. 
JOHN  CROES, 

Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
State  of  Ntw  Jersey. 

CHARLES  HENRY  WHARTON, 
Hector  of  St.  Mary's  Church  in  Burlington. 

W.  MEREDITH. 

The  subscribers,  members  of  the  committee,  unavoidably  pre 
vented   from   attendance   on   the  framing  of  the  preceding  ad 
dress,  approve  of,  and  concur  in  it. 
(Signed) 

WILLIAM  HARRIS, 

President  of  Columbia  College,  New  York. 
CHARLES  F.  MERCER, 

of  Virginia. 


NO.  II. 

The  committee  appointed  at  the  last  General  Convention,  on 
the  subject  of  a  theological  school,  beg  leave  to  make  a  further 

report. 

In  the  caption  to  the  subscription  book  drawn  up  by  Dr. 


588  APPENDIX.  [1820. 

Bowen,  it  is  stated  that  "  persons  will  pay  their  subscriptions 
as  they  shall  choose  agreeably  to  the  one  or  other  of  the 
following  conditions."  And  one  of  these  conditions  is,  that 
"any  individual  may  subscribe  on  the  condition  of  not  being 
required  to  pay  until  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  in  all  shall 
have  been  subscribed.  This  caption,  it  was  thought,  gave  all 
the  subscribers  the  option,  when  called  on  to  pay,  of  declining 
unles>  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  had  been  subscribed. 
But  Dr.  Bowen  authorizes  the  committee  to  state  that  hs  con 
siders  that  no  sums  of  those  subscribed  at  his  solicitation  are  li 
able  to  the  above  condition  except  those  which  are  stated  to  bo 
so  by  a  memorandum  which  the  subscribers  have  annexed  to 
their  names  on  the  pages  of  the  book  of  subscriptions.  The 
sums  of  this  description  amount  to  five  thousand  five  hundred 
dollars  subscribed  by  eight  persons. 

It  may  be  proper  futher  to  notice  that  the  Rev.  professors  of 
the  seminary  not  wishing  that  the  studies  of  each  year,  the  re 
citations  of  each  week,  and  the  proportion  of  the  recitations 
to  be  assigned  to  each  of  the  professors  should  be  surrendered 
to  their  direction,  applied  to  the  committee  for  instructions  to 
those  purposes.  The  committee  confiding  in  the  sufficiency  of 
the  professors  were  content  to  leave  the  arrangements  in 
question  to  their  determination  ;  especially,  as  they  were  mat 
ters  in  which  experience  might  dictate  alterations  from  time  to 
time.  There  was  however,  an  endeavour  to  obtain  a  meeting 
of  the  committee  in  October  last ;  which  failed  on  account  of 
the  indisposition  of  some  of  the  members  and  the  necessary  en 
gagements  of  others.  A  meeting  was  held  in  December,  but 
there  being  a  mere  quorum,  the  time  being  so  near  this  trien 
nial  meeting,  and  the  institution  not  having  suffered  nor  being 
likely  to  suffer  in  the  business,  no  order  was  taken  thereon. 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  Chairman. 
May  22,  1820. 


NO.  III. 

CONSTITUTION  OF  THE   PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  MISSIONARY 
SOCIETY   IN  THE   UNITED   STATES,    FOR   FOREIGN 

AND  DOMESTIC  MISSIONS. 
OF  THE  NAME  AND  OFFICERS. 

1.     This  institution  shall  be  designated  "  The  Protestant  Epis 
copal  Missionary  Society  in  the  United  States,  for  Foreign  and 


1820.]  APPENDIX.  589 

Domestic  Missions."  Its  officers  shall  consist  of  a  president, 
vice  presidents,  two  secretaries,  and  a  treasurer,  together  with 
such  officers  as  may  be  deemed  necessary. 

2.  The  affairs  of  this  society  shall  be  conducted  by  a  board  of 
twenty  four  managers,  to  be  appointed  by  the  general  conven 
tion,  twelve  of  whom  shall  reside  in  or  near  the  city  of  Phila 
delphia,  and  six  members  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the 
transaction  of  business. 

3  The  officers  of  this  society,  with  the  exception  of  those  pro 
vided  for  in  this  constitution,  shall  be  appointed  by  the  board 
of  managers,  and  continue  in  office   during   the  recess  of  the 
general  convention,  or  until  others  are  appointed 

4  The  presiding  bishop  of  this  church  shall  be  the  president 
of  this  society,  and  the  other  bishops,  vice  presidents,  in  the  or 
der  of  seniority  establi  bed  in  their  house. 

OF  AUXILIARY  SOCIETIES. 

The  board  of  managers  shall  take  such  measures  as  they 
may  deem  proper,  to  establish  auxiliary  societies ;  to  secure 
parronage,  and  to  enlarge  the  funds  of  the  institution.  The 
bishop  of  every  diocese  shall  be  president  of  the  auxiliary  soci 
eties,  organized  in  the  same. 

OF  MEMBERS. 

1 .  Every  person  subscribing  annually,  the  sum  'of  three  dol 
lars,  shall  be  a  member  of  this  society  during  the  continuance 
of  such  subscription. 

2.  Every  person  giving  a  benefaction  of  fifty  dollars  or  up 
wards,  at  one  time,  shall  be  considered  a  patron  of  this  society. 

3.  The  subscription  books  shall  be  so  arranged,  that  at  the 
time  of  subscribing,  every  person  may  contribute  either  to  the 
cause  of  foreign  or  domestic  missions  ;  and  the  money  shall  be 
appropriated  according  to  the  intention  of  the  donor. 

4.  If  any  money  shall  be  given  to  this  society  by  individu 
als,  congregations  or  other  societies,  without  specifying  to  what 
particular  object  it  is  to  be  applied,  the  board  of  managers  may 
appropriate  it  as  they  shall  think  best. 

OF   THE   FUNDS. 

All  benefactions  and  donations,  exceeding  the  sum  of  fifty 
dollars,  made  to  this  society  if  requested  by  the  contributors  at 
the  time  of  subscription  or  donation,  shall  be  vested  in  some 
good  arid  productive  stock,  and  the  interest  only  of  such  monies 
shall  be  appropriated  to  the  objects  of  the  institution. 


590  APPENDIX.  [1820. 

OF  THE  DUTIES  OF  OFFICERS. 

1.  The  board  of  managers  shall  have  power  to  make  all  by 
laws  necessary  for  their  own  regulation,  and  to  appoint  from 
among  their  number,  all  such  committees,  as  shall  be  necessary 
to  transact  the  various  parts  of  duty  assigned  ihem. 

2.  The  treasurer  shall  keep  distinct  accounts  of  the  money  re 
ceived  by  him,  whether  to  be  applied  to  foreign  or  domestic  mis 
sionary  purposes;  and  shall  be  required  to  render  his  a. count 
at  least  once  in  every  year,  to  the  board  of  managers. 

3.  The  board  of  managers  shall  make  a  full  report  of  their 
proceedings,  and  of  the  funds  of  the  society,  at   every  meeting 
of  the  General  Convention. 

4.  No  missionary  of  this  society  shall  be  employed  within  the 
bounds  of  any  organized  diocess,  except  with  the  consent  and 
approbation,  and  under  the  direction  of  the  Bishop  ;  or,  if  there 
be  no  Bishop,   the  ecclesiastical  authority  of  the  same. 

CONCLUSION. 

It  is  recomended  to  every  member  of  this  society,  to  pray  to 
Almighty  God  for  his  blessing  upon  its  designs,  under  the  full 
conviction,  that  unless  "  He  directs  us  in  all  our  doings,  with 
his  most  gracious  favour,  and  furthers  us  with  his  continual 
help,"  we  cannot  reasonably  hope,  either  to  procure  suitable 
persons  to  act  as  missionaries,  or  expect  that  their  endeavours 
will  be  crowned  with  success. 


NO.  IV. 

Addition  to  the  report  on  the  state  of  the  church,  received 
after  the  rising  of  the  convention.  (Committee  of  publication.) 

In  the  eastern  diocese,  since  the  last  General  Convention, 
eight  hundred  and  sixty-six  persons  have  been  confirmed  by 
the  apostolic  rite  of  laying  on  of  hands.  Twenty  have  been 
admitted  as  candidates  for  holy  orders  ;  of  whom  there  are  ten 
still  remaining  on  that  list.  Messrs  James  B.  Howe,  George 
Taft,  Allston  Gibbs,  Calvin  Wolcort,  George  Otis,  Joel  Clapp 
Herbert  Marshall,  Carltou  Chase,  Patrick  H.  Folker,  Jasper 
Adams,  Addison  Searle,  Edward  Lippit,  Kodolphus  Dickinson, 
Isaac  'Boyle,  Marcus  A.  Perry,  and  Milton  Wilcox  have  been 
ordained  deacons.  The  Kev.  Stephen  Beach,  Gideon  W.  Ol- 


1820.]  APPENDIX.  591 

ney,  Chever  Felch,  George  T.  Chapman,  George  Leonard, 
Benjamin  B.  Smith,  Calvin  Wolcott,  James  B.  Howe,  George 
Taft,  Patrick  H.  Folker,  and  Joel  Clapp,  deacons,  have  been 
admitted  to  the  order  of  presbyters.  Tne  Rev.  William  Mon 
tague,  of  Massachusetts,  and  the  Rev.  James  Nichols,  of  Ver 
mont,  having  declared  their  intention  no  longer  tj  officiate  as 
ministers  of  this  Church,  have  been  suspended  from  all  exercise 
of  the  said  ministry  according  to  the  seventeenth  canon  of  the 
General  Convention,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1817.  Seven  new 
churches  have  been  erected  and  consecrated  to  the  worship  of 
Almighty  God.  Two  more,  it  is  expected,  will  soon  be  finished. 
And  a  good  house  already  built,  has  been  obtained  by  a  new 
parish  in  Claremont,  New  Hampshire.  The  Churches  have  been 
regularly  visited,  aud  are  generally  in  a  flourishing  state. 


PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH 

In  the  United  States  of  America. 


EASTERN  DIOCESE. 

Composed  of  the  States  of  Maine,  New  Hampshire,  Massachusetts,  Ver 
mont,  and  Rhode  Island. 

The  Right  Rev.  Alexander  Viets  Griswold,  D.  D.,  Bishop. 

MAINE. 

The  Rev.  G.  W.  Olney,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Gardiner. 

The  Rev.  P.  S.  Ten  Broeck,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Portland. 

NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

The  Rev.  Charles  Burroughs,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Portsmouth. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Fowle,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Holderness. 

The  Rev.  James  B.  Howe,  Rector  of  Union  Church,  Claremont. 

The  Rev.  Addison  Searle,  Deacon,  officiating  in  Concord,  and  Hopkinton. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Carlile,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Salem. 

The  Rev.  Asa  Eaton,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Boston,  and  St.  Mary's, 

Newton. 
The  Rev.  Cheever  Felch,  Chaplain,  United  States  Navy,  officiating  in  St. 

Paul's  Church,  Dedham. 

The  Rev.  John  S.  J.  Gardiner,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Boston. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Griswold,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  Great  Barrington. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  F.  Jarvis,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Boston. 
The  Rev.  James  Morss,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Newburyport. 
The  Rev.  Titus  Strong,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  Greenfield. 
The  Rev.  Calvin  Wolcott,    Rector  of    St   Peters'  Church,   Hanover,   and 

Church,  Marshfield. 

The  Rev.  Aaron  Humphrey,  officiating  at  Lanesborough 

The  Rev.  Edward  Lippitt,  Missionary  in  Quincy  and  Bridgewater. 

The  Rev.  Isaac  Boyle,  Deacon,  officiating  in  Hopkinton. 

The  Rev.  James  Bowen,  residing  in  Framingham. 

592 


1820.]  APPENDIX.  593 

VERMONT. 

The  Rev.   Stephen   Beach,   Rector   of    Trinity   Church,   Fairneld,   Grace 

Church,  Sheldon,  and  Union  Church,  St.  Albans. 
The  Rev.  Abraham   Bronson,    Rector  of  Church,   Manchester,   and 

Church,  Arlington. 

The  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Deacon,  officiating  in  Immanuel  Church,  Bellows' 

Falls. 

The  Rev.  Joel  Clapp,  Rector  of Church,  Shelburne. 

The  Rev.  George  Leonard,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Windsor. 

RHODE  ISLAND. 

The  Right  Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Michael's 
Church,  Bristol. 

The  Rev,  Jasper  Adams,  Deacon,  Professor  of  Mathematics  and  Natural 
Philosophy,  in  Brown  University,  Providence. 

The  Rev.  John  Laurens  Blake,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  North  Provi 
dence. 

The  Rev.  Nathan  Bourne  Crocker,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Providence. 

The  Rev.  Lemuel  Burge,  Deacon,  officiating  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  North 
Kingston,  and  St.  Paul's  Church,  South  Kingston. 

The  Rev.  G.  Taft,  Assistant  Minister  in  Bristol. 

The  Rev.  Salmon  Wheaton,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Newport. 

CONNECTICUT. 

The  Right  Rev.  Thomas  C.  Brownell,  D.  D.  LL.  D.,  Bishop,  and  Rector  of 

Christ  Church,  Hartford. 

The  Rev.  John  Tyler,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Norwich. 
The  Rev.  Philo  Shelton,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Fairneld,  St.  John's, 

Bridgeport. 

The  Rev.  William  Smith,  D.  D.,  residing  at  Norwalk. 
The  Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Stratford. 
The  Rev.  Tillotson  Brownson,  D.D.,  Principal  of  the  Episcopal  Academy, 

Cheshire. 
The  Rev.  Reuben  Ives,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Cheshire,  and  St. 

Andrews,  Meriden. 

The  Rev.  Truman  Marsh,  Rector  of  the  Associated  Churches  in  Litchfield. 
The  Rev.   Jonathan  Judd,   Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Stamford  and 

the  Church  in  Horseneck. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Burhans,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Newtown. 
The  Rev.  Menzies  Rayner,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  and  St.  Peter's  Churches, 

Huntington. 

The  Rev.  Calvin  White,  residing  in  Derby. 

The  Rev.  Asa  Cornwall,  Assistant  in  the  Episcopal  Academy,  Cheshire. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Perry,  Minister  of  the  Churches  in   East  Haven   and 

West  Haven. 
The  Rev.  Benjamin    Benhatn,  Rector  of   the  Churches  in  New  Milford, 

Brookfield  and  Bridgewater. 
The  Rev.  David  Baldwin,  Rector  of  Christ  Church  in  Guilford,  St.  John's, 

North  Guilford,  and  Union  Church,  North  Killingworth. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  D.  Welton,  residing  at  Waterbury. 
The  Rev.  Birdsey  G.  Noble,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Middletown. 


594  APPENDIX.  [1820. 

The  Rev.  Bethel  Judd,  Minister  of  the  Church  in  New  London. 

The  Rev.  Isaac  Jones,   Assistant   Minister   in   the   Associated   Churches, 

Litchfield. 

The  Rev.  Jasper  D.  Jones,  residing  in  Cheshire. 
The  Rev.  Sturgis  Gilbert,  Rector  of  the  Churches  in  Woodbury  and  Rox- 

bury. 

The  Rev.  Reuben  Sherwood,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Norwalk. 
The  Rev.'  Charles  Smith,  Rector  of  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wilton. 
The  Rev.  Harry  Croswell,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New  Haven. 
The  Rev.  Alphens  Gear,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Waterbury. 
The  Rev.  Rodney  Rossiter,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  and  St.  Matthew's  Church, 

Plymouth. 

The  Rev.  Smith  Miles,  Rector  of  the  Church  in  Chatham. 
The  Rev.  Solomon  Blakeley,  officiating  in  the  Churches  at  East  Haddam, 

Middle  Haddam,  and  Pettipauge. 

The  Rev.  Chauncey  Prindle,  officiating  in  the  Church  in  Woodbridge. 
The  Rev.  Peter  G.  Clark,  Assistant  Minister,  Norwich. 
The  Rev.  Nathan  B.  Burgis,  officiating  Minister  of  the  Church  in  Glasten- 

bury. 

The  Rev.  George  S.  White,  residing  at  Brooklyn. 
The  Rev.  George  B.  Andrews,  officiating  Minister  at  Kent,  Sharon,  and 

New  Preston. 

The  Rev.  Nathaniel  S.  Wheaton,  Assistant  Minister,  Hartford. 
The  Rev.  Origen  P.  Holcomb,  officiating  in  the  Churches  of  Branford  and 

North  Branford. 

The  Rev.  David  Belden,  residing  in  Wilton. 
The  Rev.  Nathaniel  F.  Bruce,  M.  D.,  residing  at  Hartford. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  H.  Turner,  Professor  of  Historic  Theology  in  the  Theo 
logical  Seminary  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  ChurcLi  in  the  United 

States,  New  Haven. 

NEW  YORK. 

The  Right  Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart,  D.  D.,  Bishop,  and  Rector  of  Trinity 
Church,  including  St.  Pauls  and  St.  John's  Chapels,  New  York. 

The  Rev.  Henry  Anthon,  Minister  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Redhook,  Dutchesa 
r  County. 

The  Rev.  Benjamin  P.  Aydelott.  Deacon,  residing  in  New  York. 

The  Rev.  Deodatus  Babcock,  Deacon,  officiating  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  Buf 
falo,  Niagara  County. 

The  Rev.  Amos  G.  Baldwin,  officiating  in  Ogdensburg,  St.  Lawrence 
County. 

The  Rev.  William  Barlow,  Deacon,  Minister  of  St.  John's  Church,  Canan- 
daigua,  Ontario  County. 

The  Rev.  William  Berrian,  an  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  Church,  New 
York. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Breintnall,  Rector  of  Zion  Church,  New  York. 

the  Rev.  David  Brown.  Rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  Hyde  Park,  Dutch- 
ess  County. 

The  Rev.  John  Brown,  Rector  of  St.  Thomas's  Church,  New  Windsor,  and 
Minister  of  St.  George's  Church,  Newburgh,  Orange  County. 

The  Rev.  Nathaniel  F.  Bruce,  M.D.,  residing  in  Cat-skill,  Greene  County. 

The  Rev.  Barzillai  Bulkley,  Rector  of  St.  George's  Church,  Flushing, 
Long  Island. 


1820.]  APPENDIX.  595 

The  Eev.  Leveret  Bush,  Deacon,  Missionary  at  Oxford,  Chenango  County, 

and  parts  adjacent. 
The  Rev.  David  Butler,  Eector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Troy,  Rensselaer 

County. 

The  Rev.  Orin  Clark,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Geneva,  Ontario  County. 
The  Rev.  William  A.  Clark,  Minister  of  Christ  Church,  Balston  Spa,  Sara 
toga  County. 
The  Rev.  James  P.  Cotter,  Deacon,  Assistant  Instructor  in  the  Academy 

at  Jamaica,  Queens  County. 

The  Rev.  William  Creighton,  Rector  of  St.  Mark's  Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Francis  H.  Cuming,  Deacon,  Missionary  at  Binghamton,  Broome 

County,  and  parts  adjacent. 

The  Rev.  Asahel  Davis,  Deacon,  residing  in  Albany. 
The  Rev.  H.  De  Lancey,  Deacon,  officiating  in  Grace  Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Henry  J.  Feltus,  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Church/New  York. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Fuller,  Missionary  in  Albany  and  Green  Counties. 
The  Rev.  Ezekiel  G.  Gear,  Missionary  in  Onondaga  County,  and  Counties 

adjacent. 

The  Rev.  John  Grigg,  jun.,  D«acon,  Minister  of  St.  John's  Church,  Philips- 
burg. 
The  Rev.  Charles  W.  Hamilton,  Missionary  in  Washington  County,  and 

parts  adjacent. 

The  Rev.  William  Hammel,  residing  in  New  York. 

The  Rev.  William  Harris,  D.  D.,  President  of  Columbia  College,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Seth    Hart,  Rector  of  St.  George's  Church,  Hempstead,  Long 

Island. 
The  Rev.  Samuel    Haskell,  Rector  of   Christ  Church,  Rye,  Westchestet 

County. 
The  Rev.  David   Huntington,  Rector  of  St.  John's   Church,  Delhi,  and 

Minister  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Waterville,  Delaware  County. 
The  Rev.  Nathaniel  Huse,  Minister  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Paris,  Oneida 

County. 

The  Rev.  Stephen  Jewett,  Missionary  in  Washington  County. 
The  Rev.  Evan   Malbone   Johnson,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  New 

Town,  Long  Island. 

The  Rev.  Cave  Jones,  residing  in  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Ravaud  Kearney,  Minister  of  St.  Paul's   Church,  Eastchester, 

and  Trinity  Church,  New  Rochelle,  Westchester  County. 
The  Rev.  William  B.  Lacey,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Albany. 
The  Rev.  James  Keeler,  Deacon,  Minister  of  St.  Matthews  Church,  Una- 

dilla,  Otsego  County. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Lyell,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Charles  M'Cabe,  Deacon,  officiating  in  St.  James's  Church,  Mil 
ton,  Saratoga  County. 
The  Rev.  Daniel  M'Donald,  Minister  of  Trinity  Church,  and  Principal  of 

the  Academy,  Fairfield,  Herkimer  County. 
The  Rev.  John  M'Vickar,  Professor  of  Rhetoric  and  Moral  Philosophy  in 

Columbia  College,  New  York. 

The  Rev.  James  Milnor,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  George's  Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  David  Moore,  Rector  of  St.  Andrew's  Church,  including  Trinity 

Chapel,  Staten  Island. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Nash,  Missionary  in  Otsego  and  Chenango  Counties. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Nicholls,  Minister  of  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Bedford  and 

North  Castle,  Westchester  County. 


596  APPENDIX.  [1820. 

The  Rev.  George  H.  Norton,  Missionary  in  Seneca  and  Ontario  Counties. 
The  Rev.   Benjamin   T.   Onderdonk,   an  Assistant    Minister  of   Trinity 

Church,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Henry  U.  Ondardonk,  M.  D.,  Minister  of   St.   Ann's    Church, 

Brooklyn,  Long  Island. 
The  Rev.  George  Otis,  Deacon,  Waddington   and   Madrid,  St.  Lawrence 

County. 
The  Rev.  Amos  Pardee,  Missionary  at  Manlius,  Onondago  County,  and 

parts  adjacent. 

The  Rev.  Henri  L.  P.  F.  Peneyeyre,  Rector  of  St.  Esprit,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Phinney,  Minister  of  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Coldenham, 

Orange  County. 

The  Rev.  William  Powell,  residing  at  Bloomingdale,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  Joseph   Prentiss,   Rector  of   Trinity  Church,  Athens,  and  St. 

Luke's  Church,  Catekill,  Greene  County. 

The  Rev.  Alexis  P.  Proal,  Deacon,  Minister  of  St.  John's  Church,  Johns 
town,  Montgomery  County. 
The  Rev.  William  Richmond,  Deacon,  Minister  of  St.  Michael's  and  St. 

James's  Churches,  New  York. 
The  Rev.  John  Reed,  Rector  of  Christ  Church.   Poughkeepsie,  Dutchess 

County. 
The  Rev.  Joshua  M.  Rogers,   Missionary  at  Turin,   Lewis  County,   and 

parts  adjacent. 
The  Rev.  Gilbert  H.  Sayres,  Rector  of   Grace    Church,    Jamaica,   Long 

Island. 
The  Rev.  Charles  Seabury,  Rector  of   Caroline    Church,    Setauket,   and 

Missionary  to  Huntingdon  and  Islip,  Long  Island. 
The  Rev.  Henrv  M.  Shaw,  Deacon,   Minister  of  Trinity  Church,   Utica, 

Oneida  County. 
The  Rev.  Lucius  Smith,  Minister  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Auburn,  Cayuga 

County. 
The  Rev.  Cyrus  Stebbins,  Minister  of  Christ  Church,  Hudson,  Columbia 

County. 

The  Rev.  James  Thompson,  Missionary  in  Greene  and  Delaware  Counties. 
The  Rev.  Frederick  F.  Tiffany,  Deacon,  Cooperstown,  Otsego  County. 
The  Rev.  John  V.  E.  Thorne,  Minister  of  St.  George's  Church,  Flushing, 

Queens  County. 
The  Rev.  George  Upfold,  M.  D.,  Deacon,  Minister  of  Trinity  Church,  Lan- 

singburgh,  Rensselaer  County,  and  Grace  Church,  Waterford,  Sara 
toga  County. 

The  Rev.  Frederick  Vanhorne,  residing  at  Coldenham,  Orange  County. 
The  Rev.  Jonathan   M.   Wainwright,   an   Assistant   Minister  of    Trinity 

Church,  New  York. 

The  Rev.  Alanson  W.Welton,  Missionary,  in  Ontario  and  adjacent  Counties. 
The  Rev.  Eli    Wheeler,   Minister  of   Christ  Church,   North   Hempstead, 

Long  Island. 

The  Rev.  Russel   Wheeler,  Rector  of  Zion  Church,  Butternuts ;  and  Mis 
sionary  in  other  parts  of  Otsego  County. 

The  Rev.  Isaac  Wilkins,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  West  Chester. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Nicholls,  Deacon,  residing  in  Connecticut,  officiates  every 

second  Sunday  in  St.   Matthew's  Church,   Bedford,  Westchester 

County. 
Mr.  Eleazar  Williams,  a  young  man  of  Indian  extraction,  a  candidate  for 


1820.]  APPENDIX.  597 

Holy  Orders,  is  licensed  by  the  Bishop  as  a  lay  reader  and  a  cate- 
chist,  to  officiate  in  the  Mohawk  language,  in  St.  Peter's  Church, 
Oneida  Castle,  Oneida  County,  the  congregation  of  which  is  com 
posed  of  Indians ;  and  employed  by  the  Committee  for  propagating 
the  Gospel  in  the  State  of  New  York  in  those  capacities,  and  like 
wise  as  a  schoolmaster  among  the  Indians. 

Peter  Williams,  jun.,  a  coloured  man,  a  candidate  for  Orders,  is  licensed 
by  the  Bishop  as  a  lay  reader  and  catechist,  to  officiate,  when  no 
clergyman  is  present,  in  St.  Philip's  Church,  New  York,  the  congre 
gation  of  which  is  composed  of  coloured  members  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

The  Bight  Rev.  John  Croes,  D.  D.,  Bishop,  and  Rector  of  Christ  Church, 
New  Brunswick. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Beach,  D.  D.,  residing  near  New  Brunswick. 

The  Rev.  Charles  H.  Wharton,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Mary's  Church,  Bur 
lington. 

The  Rev.  John  C.  Rudd,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Elizabeth  Town. 

The  Rev.  Simon  Wilmer,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Swedesborough. 

The  Rev.  James  Chapman,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Perth  Amboy. 

The  Rev.  John  Croes,  jun.,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Shrewsbury,  and 
Christ  Church,  Middletown. 

The  Rev.  Lewis  P.  Bayard,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Newark. 

The  Rev.  George  Y.  Morehouse,  Rector  of  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Mount 
Holly. 

The  Rev.  Abiel  Carter,  Rector  of  St.  Michael's  Church,  Trenton. 

The  Rev.  Richard  F.  Cadle,  Deacon,  Minister  of  St.  John's  Church,  Salem, 
and  St.  George's  Church,  Pennsneck. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Higbee,  residing  at  Morestown. 

The  Rev.  Augustus  Fitch,  Deacon,  residing  at  Bellville. 

The  Rev.  George  H.  Woodruff,  Deacon,  lately  a  Missionary,  residing  at 
Trenton. 

The  Rev.  Clarkson  Dunn,  Deacon,  a  Missionary  to  the  vacant  Churches. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  William  White,  D.  D.,  Bishop,  senior  of  the  American 
Church,  presiding  in  the  House  of  Bishops  and  Rector  of  Christ 
Church,  St.  Peter's,  and  St.  James's,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  James  Abercrombie,  D.  D.,  senior  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ 
Church,  St.  Peter's,  and  St.  James's,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Ayres,  residing  in  Brownsville. 

The  Rev.  Frederick  Beasley,  D.  D.,  Provost  of  the  University  of  Pennsyl 
vania,  Philadelphia. 

She  Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.  D.,  residing  in  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  George  Boyd,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Northern  Liberties, 
Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  C.  Brinckle,  Deacon,  Minister  of  St.  David's  Church, 
Radnor. 

The  Rev.  Levi  Bull,  Rector  of  St.  Gabriel's  Church,  Berk's  County,  St. 
Mary's,  Chester  County,  and  Bangor  Church,  Churchtown. 

The  Rev.  Slator  Clay,  Rector  of  St.  James',  Perkiomen,  and  St.  Peter's, 
Great  Valley. 


598  APPENDIX.  [1820. 

The  Rev  Joseph  Clarkson,  Rector  of  St.  James',  Lancaster,  and  St.  John's, 
Pequea. 

The  Rev.  Jacob  Morgan  Douglass,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's,  Chester,  St.  Mar 
tin's,  Marcus  Hook,  and  St.  John's,  Concord. 

The  Rev.  Charles  M.  Dupuy,  Rector  of  St.  Luke's  Church,  Germantown. 

The  Rev.  Jackson  Kernper,  Assistant  Minister  of  Christ  Church,  St. 
Peter's  and  St.  James's,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  James  Montgomery,  residing  near  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  William  Augustus  Muhlenberg,  Deacon,  Assistant  Minister  to 
the  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  St.  Peter's,  and  St.  James's,  Phil 
adelphia. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Pilmore,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Elijah  G.  Plumb,  Missionary  in  Northumberland  County. 

The  Rev.  Francis  Reno,  officiating  in  the  Counties  of  Beaver  and  Alleghany. 

The  Rev.  Manning  B.  Roche,  Deacon,  Missionary  in  Southwark  and 
Mantua. 

The  Rev.  John  Rodney,  Deacon,  Minister  of  Trinity  Church,  Easton. 

The  Rev.  Charles  G.  Snowden,  Minister  at  Huntingdon  and  adjacent 
parts,  Huntingdon  County. 

The  Rev.  George  Sheets,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Oxford,  and  All  Saints, 
Lower  Dublin. 

The  Rev.  John  Taylor,  residing  in  Pittsburgh. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Turner,  residing  in  Southwark,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Bird  Wilson,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Norristown,  and  St. 
Thomas's,  Whitemarsh. 

The  Rev.  James  Wiltbank,  Master  of  the  Grammar  School  in  the  Uni 
versity  of  Pennsylvania,  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Sitgreaves,  Deacon,  residing  at  Easton. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Bacon,  now  in  Africa,  agent  of  the  American  Coloniza 
tion  Society. 

Mr.  John  P.  Bankson,  a  candidate  for  orders,  is  employed  by  the  Episco 
pal  Missionary  Society  of  Philadelphia,  as  a  catechist  in  Africa,  in 
connection  with  the  American  Colonization  Society. 

DELAWARE. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Clay,  Rector  of  Emmanuel's  Church,  Newcastle,  and  St. 

James's  Church, . 

The  Rev.  John   Foreman,   Deacon,   Minister  of   St.   Peter's,   Lewes,   St. 

Paul's,  Georgetown,  Christ,  Laurel, Church,  Little  Hill,  St. 

George's,  Indian  River,  and  Prince  George's,  Dagsborough,  Sussex 

County. 

The  Rev.  Richard  D.  Hall,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Wilmington. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Spencer,  Deacon,  Minister  of  Christ  Church,  Dover,  and 

Christ  Church,  Milford,  Kent  County,  and  St.  Matthew's  Church, 

Cedar  Creek,  Sussex  County. 

MARYLAND. 

The  Right  Rev.  James  Kemp,  D.  D.,  Bishop,  and  Rector  of  St.  Paul's 

Parish,  including  Christ  Church,  Baltimore. 
The  Rev.  Walter  D.  Addison,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Georgetown, 

District  of  Columbia. 
The  Rev.  Ethan  Allen,  Deacon,  Minister  of  St,  John's,  Prince  George's. 


1820.] 


APPENDIX.  599 


The  Rev.  John  Allen,  Teacher  in  Baltimore. 

The  Rev.  John  Armstrong,  St.  Peter's,  Montgomery,  and  Zion,  Frederick. 

The  Rev.  William  Armstrong,  Deacon. 

The  Rev.  Charles  C.  Austin,  Deacon. 

The  Rev.  Edmund  D.  Barry,  D.  D.,  Principal  of  an  Academy  in  Baltimore. 

The  Rev.  John  V.  Bartow,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Baltimore. 

The  Rev.  John  P.  Bausman,  Christ  Church,  Calvert. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Bayne,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's,  Talbot. 

The  Rev.  James  J.  Bowden,  Deacon,  Trinity  Parish,  Charles  County. 

The  Rev.  John  Brady,  Rector  of  William  and  Mary,  and  St.  Andrew's, 
St.  Mary's  County. 

The  Rev.  William  J.  Bulkley,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's,  Queen  Anne. 

The  Rev,  Jehu  C.  Ciay,  St.  John's,  Washington. 

The  Rev.  Henry  L.  D'avis,  D.  D.  Rector  of  St.  Anne's,  Annapolis. 

The  Rev.  William  Duke,  Residing  in  Elkton. 

The  Rev.  Henry  Pfeiffer,  Deacon,  Missionary. 

The  Rev.  William  L.  Gibson. 

The  Rev.  Levin  J.  Gillis,  Deacon,  Queen  Anne's  Parish,  Prince  George's 
County. 

The  Rev.  George  D.  S.  Handy,  residing  in  Kent  County. 

The  Rev.  William  Hawley,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  City  of  Wash 
ington. 

The  Rev.  John  P.  K.  Henshaw,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Baltimore. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Horrell,  St.  James's  Parish,  Anne-Arundel. 

The  Rev.  Reuben  Hubbard,  St.  Michael's,  Talbot. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Jackson,  Rector  of  St.  Thomas's  Parish,  Baltimore  County. 

The  Rev.  John  Johns,  Fredericktown. 

The  Rev.  Matthew  Johnson,  Rector  of  All  Saints,  Calvert. 

The  Rev.  John  R.  Keech,  Deacon,  St.  John's,   and  St.  James's,  Baltimore 
County. 

The  Rev.  Ruel  Keith,  Christ  Church,  Georgetown,  District  of  Columbia. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Lanston,  Deacon. 

The  Rev.  Charles   Mann,  Rector  of  William  and  Mary   Parish,    Charles 
County. 

The  Rev.  Andrew  C.  M'Cormick,  Rector  of Church,  City  of  Wash 
ington. 

The  Rev.  William  Ninde,  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's,  Cecil,  and  Shrewsbury, 
Kent. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Reid. 

The  Rev.  Neale  H.  Shaw,  Rector  of  King  and  Queen,  and  All-Faith,  St. 
Mary's. 

The  Rev.  Purnell  F.  Smith,  Rector  of  All-Hallows  and  Worcester,  Worces 
ter  County. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Stephens,  Rector  of  Havre  de  Grace,  and  St.  George's, 

Hartford. 

The  Rev.  William  M.  Stone,  Rector  of  Stepney,  Somerset. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  C.  Stratton,  Coventry,  Somerset. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  R.  Walker,  Rector  of  Church,  Chester,  and  St. 

Paul's,  Kent. 

The  Rev.  John  Weems,  Rector  of  Port  Tobacco,  Charles  County. 
The  Rev.  George  Weller,  Rector  of  Great  Choptank  and  Dorchester,  Dorset 

County. 
The  Rev.  William  Westerman,  Rector  of  St.  Mark's,  Frederick  County. 


600  APPENDIX.  [1820. 

The  Rev.  William  Wickes,  Somerset,  Somerset. 

The  Rev.  Ralph  Williston,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's,  Prince  George's. 

The  Rev.  William  E.  Wyatt,  D.  D.,  Associate  Minister  of  St.  Paul's  Parish, 

Baltimore. 
The  Rev.  Noble  Young,  Rector  of Church,  Prince  George's. 

VIRGINIA. 

The  Right  Rev.  Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.  D.,  Bishop,  and  Rector  of 

the  Monumental  Church,  Richmond. 

The  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  County. 
The  Rev.  Thomas  G.  Allen,  Dumfries  Church,  Dettingen  Parish,  Prince 

William. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  R.  Andrus,  St.  Paul's  Church,  King  George  County. 
The  Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  D.  D.,  Frederick  Parish,  Winchester  County. 
The  Rev.  Hugh  C.  Boggs,  Berkley  Parish,  Spotsylvania. 
The  Rev.  John  L.  Bryan,  Christ  Church,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkley  County. 
The  Rev.  John  Buchanan,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  Henrico  Parish. 
The  Rev.  Charles  Crawford,  Louisa  County. 
The  Rev.  John  Dunn,  Shelburn  Parish,  Loudoun  County. 
The  Rev.  George  Halson,  residing  near  Norfolk. 
The  Rev.  William  H.  Hart,  Assistant  Minister  of  Henrico  Parish. 
The  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch. 

The  Rev.  Alexander  Hay,  Antrim  Parish,  Halifax  County. 
The  Rev.  William  King,  Augusta  Parish,  Staunton. 
The  Rev.  George  Lemmon,  Hamilton  and  Leeds  Parishes,  Fauquier. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Low,  Christ  Church,  Norfolk  Borough. 
The  Rev.  Enoch  M.  Low,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley. 
The  Rev.  Edward  C  M'Guire,  St.  George's  Parish,  Fredericksburgh. 
The  Rev.  Herbert  Marshall,  Minister  of  Hungar's  Parish,  Northampton. 
The  Rev.  William  Meade,  Frederick  Parish,  Frederick  County. 
The  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  District  of  Columbia. 
The  Rev.  John  Ravenscroft,  St.  James's  Parish,  Mecklenburgh  County. 
The  Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith,  officiating  in  St.  George's  Parish,  Accomack. 
The  Rev.  William  Steele,  Dettingen  and  Leed's  Parishes,  Prince  William. 
The  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  Bristol  Parish,  Dinwiddie. 
The  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  D.D.,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  District 

of  Columbia. 

The  Rev.  John  Woodville,  St.  Mark's  Parish,  Culpepper. 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Wydown,  St.  Martin's  Parish,  Hanover  County. 

NORTH  CAROLINA. 

The  Right  Rev.  Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.  D.,  of  Virginia,  performing 
Episcopal  offices  under  the  20th  Canon  of  the  General  Convention, 
by  invitation  of  the  Convention  of  the  Diocese. 

The  Rev.  John  Avery,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Edenton. 

The  Rev.  Gregory  T.  Bedell,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Fayetteville. 

The  Rev.  Adam  Empie,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  Wilmington. 

The  Rev.  Richard  S.  Mason,  Minister  of  Christ  Church,  Newbern. 

The  Rev.  John  Phillips,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Tarborough. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Wright,  Deacon,  Missionary. 

The  Rev.  William  Hooper,  Professor  in  the  University  of  North  Carolina. 


1820.]  APPENDIX.  601 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

The  Right  Rev.  Nathaniel  Bowen,  D.  D.,  Bishop,  and  Rector  of  St.  Micha 
el's  Church,  Charleston. 

The  Rev  Christopher  E.  Gadsden,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Philip's  Church, 
Charleston. 

The  Rev.  John  Barnwell  Campbell,  Rector  of  St.  Helena  Church,  Beau 
fort. 

The  Rev.  John  I.  Tschudy,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Parish,  Berkeley. 

The  Rev.  Christian  Hanckel,.  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Columbia. 

The  Rev.  Paul  Trapier  Gervais,  residing. in  Charleston. 

The  Rev.  Maurice  H.  Lance,  Rector  of  Prince  George's,  Winyah,  George 
town. 

The  Rev.  Milward  Pogson,  Rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  Goose-Creek. 

The  Rev.  Frederick  Dalcho,  M.  D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  St.  Michael's 
Church,  Charleston. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Gates,  D.  D.,  residing  in  St.  George's,  Dorchester. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Mills,  D.  D. 

The  Rev.  Philip  Matthews,  Rector  of  St.  Helena  Church,  St.  Helena 
Island. 

The  Rev.  Andrew  Fowler,  A.  M.,  Missionary  at  Chatham,  and  the  parts 
adjacent. 

The  Rev.  Albert  A.  Muller,  A.  M.,  Rector  of  Christ  Church  Parish,  and 
Minister  of  Grace  Church,  Sullivan's  Island. 

The  Rev.  Charles  B.  Snowden,  A.  B. 

The  Rev.  Francis  P.  De  Lavaux,  Rector  of  St.  Matthew's  Parish. 

The  Rev.  Parker  Adams,  Rector  of  Claremont  Church,  Stateburg. 

The  Rev.  Robert  S.  Symes,  officiating  at  St.  Paul's  Church,  Charleston. 

The  Rev.  Allston  Gibbs,  Assistant  Minister  of  St.  Philip's  Church,  Charles 
ton. 

The  Rev.  Henry  Gibbes,  Deacon,  All  Saints  Parish,  Waccamaw. 

The  Rev.  John  W.  Chandler,  Deacon,  St.  Mark's  Parish. 

The  B-ev.  Joseph  M.  Gilbert,  Rector  of  the  Church  on  Edisto  Island. 

The  Rev.  Hugh.  Fraser,  residing  in  All-Saints  Parish. 

The  Rev.  David  I.  Campbell,  Deacon,  St.  Stephen's  Parish. 

The  Rev.  William  S.  Wilson,  Deacon,  St.  John's,  Colleton. 

The  Rev.  Patrick  H.  Folker,  Charleston. 

'ihe  Rev.  Edward  Rutledge,  A.  M.,  Deacon,  St.  Thomas's  Parish. 

OHIO. 

The  Right  Rev.  Philander  Chase,  D.  D.,  Bishop,  and  Rector  of  St.  John's 
Church,  Worthington. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Johnston,  Minister  of  Christ  Church,  Cincinnati. 

The  Rev.  James  Kilbourn,  Deacon,  officiating  in  St.  John's  Church,  Wor 
thington. 

The  Rev.  Intrepid  Morse,  Minister  of  St.  James's  Church,  Zanesville,  and 
the  congregations  in  its  vicinity. 

The  Rev.  Roger  Searle,  at  St.  James's  Church,  Boardman. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Willard,  residing  in  Marietta. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Osborne,  Professor  in  the  College  at  Cincinnati. 

N.  B.  No  lists  were  received  from  Maryland  and  Virginia.  The  names, 
<&c.,for  those  States  are  taken,  with  a  few  alterations,  from  Sword's  Alma 
nack  for  1820. — Committee  of  Publication. 


602  APPENDIX.  [1820. 

CERTIFICATES  OF  CONSECRATION. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we,  William  White,  D.  D.,  Bishop 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  Presid 
ing  Bishop  ;  John  Henry'  Hobart,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episco 
pal  Church  in  the  State  of  New  York ;  James  Kemp,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Maryland  ;  John  Croes,  D.  D., 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey, 
under  the  protection  of  Almighty  God,  in  Christ  Church,  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia,  on  Thursday  the  eighth  day  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eighteen,  did  then  and  there  rightly 
and  canonically  consecrate  our  beloved  in  Christ,  NATHANIEL  BOWEN, 
D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Michael's  Church  in  the  city  of  Charleston,  of  whose 
sufficiency  in  good  learning,  soundness  in  the  faith,  and  purity  of  manners 
we  were  fully  ascertained,  into  the  office  of  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Epis 
copal  Church  in  the  State  of  South  Carolina,  to  which  he  hath  been  elected 
by  the  Convention  of  said  State. 

Given  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  this  eighth  day  of  October,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eighteen. 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  <L.  S.) 

JOHN  HENRY  HOBART,  (L.  S.) 

JAMES  KEMP,  (L.  S.) 

JOHN  CROES.  (L.  S.) 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we,  William  White,  D.  D.,  Bishop 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  Presiding 
Bishop ;  John  Henry  Hobart,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  State  of  New  York ;  James  Kemp,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Maryland  ;  John  Croes,  D.  D., 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey ; 
under  the  protection  of  Almighty  God,  in  St.  James's  Church  in  the  city 
of  Philadelphia,  on  Thursday  the  eleventh  day  of  February,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  nineteen,  did  then  and  there 
rightly  and  canonically  consecrate  our  beloved  in  Christ,  PHILANDER 
CHASE,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  John's  Church  in  the  town  of  Worthington,  in 
the  State  of  Ohio,  of  whose  sufficiency  in  good  learning,  soundness  in  the 
faith,  and  purity  of  manners  we  were  fully  ascertained,  into  the  office  of 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  to  which 
he  hath  been  elected  by  the  Convention  of  said  State. 

Given  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  this  eleventh  day  of  February,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  nineteen. 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  (L.  S.) 

JOHN  HENRY  HOBART,  (L.  S.) 

JAMES  KEMP,  (L.  S.) 

JOHN  CROEJ3.  (L.  S.) 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we,  William  White,  D.  D.,  Bishop 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  Presiding 
Bishop;  John  Henry  Hobart,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  State  of  New  York  ;  Alexander  Viets  Griswold,  Bishop  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Eastern  Diocese ;  under  the  pro- 


1820.]  APPENDIX.  603 

tection  of  Almighty  God,  in  Trinity  Church  in  the  city  of  New  Haven,  on 
Wednesday,  the  twenty-seventh  day  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  nineteen,  did  then  and  there  rightly  and 
canonically  consecrate  our  beloved  in  Christ,  THOMAS  C.  BBOWNELL,  D.D., 
LL.  D.,  Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  of  whose  suffi 
ciency  in  good  learning,  soundness  in  the  faith,  and  purity  of  manners  we 
were  fully  ascertained,  into  the  office  of  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  to  which  he  hath  been  elected  by  the 
Convention  of  said  State. 

Given  in  the  city  of  New  Haven,  this  twenty-seventh  day  of  October, 
in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  nineteen. 


WILLIAM  WHITE,  (L.  S.) 

JOHN  HENRY  HOBAET,  (L.  S.) 

ALEXANDER  VIETS  GRISWOLD.     (L.  S.) 


JOURNAL   OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS 


OP  THE 


BISHOPS,  CLERGY,  AND  LAITY 


OP  THI 


djpisropl 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA, 


nr  A 


SPECIAL  GENERAL  CONVENTION. 


HELD  IIT 


ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH,  izr  THE  CITY  OP  PHILADELPHIA,  FEOM  THE 

30iH  DAT  OF  OCTOBER,  TO  THE  3o  or  NOVEMBER,  INCLUSIVE, 

A.  D.  1821. 

(605) 


606  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.         [1821. 


LIST  OF  MEMBERS  PRESENT. 


HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS. 

The  Right  Rev.  William  White,  D.  D.  of  Pennsylvania, 
presiding  Bishop. 

The  Right  Rev.  John  Henry  Hobart,  D.  D.  of  New  York. 
The  Right  Rev.  Alexander  Viets  Griswold,  D.  D.  of  the 

o  / 

Eastern  Diocese. 

The  Right  Rev.  James  Kemp,  D.  D.  of  Maryland. 

The  Right  Rev.  John  Croes,  D.  D.  of  New  Jersey. 

The  Right  Rev.  Thomas  C.  Brownell,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.  of 
Connecticut. 

HOUSE  OF  CLERICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES. 

CLERICAL  DEPUTIES. 
MASSACHUSETTS. 

Eev.  Samuel  F.  Jarvis,  D.  D.,  Eev.  Thomas  Carlile. 

RHODE  ISLAND. 

Bev.  Salmon  Wheaton,  Eev.  Nathan  B.  Crocker. 

CONNECTICUT. 

Eev.  Daniel  Burhans,  Eev.  Birdsey  G.  Noble, 

Eev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  Eev.  Harry  Croswell. 

NEW  YORK. 

Eev.  David  Butler,  Eev.  Benjamin  T.  Onderdonk, 

Eev.  Thomas  Lyell.  Eev.  Orin  Clark. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

Eev.  Charles  H.  Wharton,  D.  D.,        Eev.  John  Croes,  Jan., 
Eev.  John  C.  Eudd,  Eev.  Abiel  Carter. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Eev.  Frederic  Beasley,  D.  D.,  Eev.  Jackson  Kemper,    • 

Eev.  Bird  Wilson,  D.  D.,  Eev.  George  Boyd. 

DELAWARE. 

Rev.  Eichard  D.  Hall. 


1821.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      607 

MARYLAND. 

Bev.  William  E.  Wyatt,  D.  D.,  Eev.  John  P.  K.  Henshaw. 

VIRGINIA. 

Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,         Eev.  Simon  Wilmer. 
Bev.  William  Meade, 

NORTH  CAROLINA. 

Bev.  Richard  S.  Mason,  Rev.  Gregory  T.  Bedell. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

Bev.  Christopher  E.  Gadsden,  D.  D.,    Bev.  Christian  Hanckell, 
Bev.  John  I.  Tschudy,  Bev.  Maurice  H.  Lance. 

LAY  DEPUTIES. 
RHODE  ISLAND. 

Col.  Alexander  Jones,  Jeremiah  Lippitt,  Esq. 

Stephen  T.  Northam,  Esq., 

CONNECTICUT. 

Hon.  Ram.  Wm.  Johnson,  Nathan  Smith,  Esq. 

NEW  YORK. 

Bichard  Harison,  Esq.,  John  Wells,  Esq. 

Hon.  Morris  S.  Miller, 

NEW  JERSEY. 

Peter  Kean,  Esq.,  Daniel  Garritson,  Esq. 

Joseph  V.  Clark,  Esq., 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

William  Meredith,  Esq.,  Walter  Kerr,  Esq., 

Thomas  M'Euen,  Esq.,  Levi  Pauling,  Esq. 

DELAWARE. 

George  Bead,  Esq.,  John  Cummins,  Esq. 

MARYLAND. 

Hon.  John  C.  Herbert,  Tench  Tilghman,  Esq. 

VIRGINIA. 

Col.  Wm.  Mayo,  Philip  Nelson,  Esq., 

Edmund  I.  Lee,  Esq. 

NORTH  CAROLINA. 

Duncan  Cameron,  Esq.,  Josiah  Collins,  Esq. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

Wm.  Heyward,  Esq.,  Lewis  L.  Gibbes,  Esq., 

Col.  Lewis  Morris. 


608      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1821. 

Clergy  who  attended  the  sittings  of  the  Convention. 

NEW  YORK. — Rev.  James  Milnor,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Henry  U.  Onderdonk, 
M.  D.,  Rev.  Jonathan  M.  Wainwright,  Rev.  Wm.  Richmond,  Rev.  Lawson 
Carter,  Rev.  James  Cotter. 

NEW  JERSEY. — Rev.  J.  M.  Douglass,  Rev.  R.  F.  Cadle. 

PENNSYLVANIA. — Rev.  Robert  Blackwell,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Joseph  Pilmore, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  Joseph  Hutchins,  D.  D.,  Rev.  James  Abercrombie,  D.  D.,  Rev. 
James  Wiltbank,  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  Rev.  Charles  M.  Dupuy,  Rev. 
Manning  B.  Roche,  Rev.  Samuel  Sitgreaves,  jr.,  Rev.  Peter  Van.  Pelt,  jr. 

MARYLAND. — Rev.  Wm.  Hawley. 

John  Read,  Esq.,  Isaac  Lawrence,  Esq.,  Trustees  of  the  Theological 
Seminary. 

Gulian  C.  Verplank,  Esq.,  Manager  of  the  New  York  Education  Society. 


JOURNAL 


OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS  OF  THE 


of  Olwiral   anb   Eag 


PHILADELPHIA,  TUESDAY,  Oct.  30,  1821. 

/Zi _il»l»  ;PM»W»Il»P  to  notice  from  the  presiding  Bishop, 
calling  a  special  General  Convention  of  the  Protest 
ant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United  States  of  Amer 
ica,  agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  the  42nd  Canon,  several 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  attended  in  St.  Peter's  Church 
at  12  o'clock,  and  a  quorum  being  present,  the  Rev.  Wm. 
H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  was  requested  to  take  the  chair  pro  tern- 
pore,  and  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Rudd  was  requested  to  act  as  Sec 
retary  pro  tempore. 

Tha  house  then  proceeded  to  read  the  testimonials  of  the 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  which  were  severally  approved, 
and  the  following  gentlemen  took  their  seats  in  the  house. 

CLERICAL  DEPUTIES. 

From  Massachusetts,  Rev.  Sam.  F.  Jarvis,  D.  D.,  Rev. 
Thos.  Caiiile.  From  Rhode  Island,  Rev.  Salmon  Wheaton, 
Rev.  Nathan  B.  Crocker.  From  Connecticut,  Rev.  Daniel 
Burhans,  Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  Rev.  Birdsey  Gr.  Noble. 
From  New  York,  Rev.  David  Butler,  Rev.  Thomas  Lyell, 
Rev.  Benj.  T.  Onderdonk,  Rev.  Orin  Clark.  From  New  Jer 
sey,  Rev.  Chas.  H.  Wharton,  D.  D.,  Rev.  John  C.  Rudd, 
Rev.  John  Croes,  Jr.,  Rev.  Abiel  Carter.  From  Maryland, 
Rev.  Wm.  E.  Wyatt,  D.  D.,  Rev.  John  P.  K.  Henshaw. 
609 


610       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1821. 

From  Virginia,  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Wm. 
Meade,  Rev.  Simon  Wilmer.  From  North  Carolina,  Rev. 
Richard  S.  Mason,  Rev.  Gregory  T.  Bedell.  From  South 
Carolina,  Rev.  Chris.  E.  Gadsden,  D.  D.,  Rev.  John  J. 
Tschudy,  Rev.  Christian  Hanckell,  Rev.  Maurice  H.  Lance. 

LAY   DEPUTIES. 

From  Rhode  Island,  Col.  Alexander  Jones,  Stephen  T. 
Northam,  Esq.,  Jeremiah  Lippitt,  Esq.  From  Connecticut, 
Hon.  Sam.  Wm.  Johnson,  Nathan  Smith,  Esq.  From  New 
York,  Richard  Harison,  Esq.,  Hon.  Morris  S.  Miller,  John 
Wells,  Esq.  From  New  Jersey,  Peter  Kean,  Esq.,  Joseph 
V.  Clark,  Esq.,  Daniel  Garritson,  Esq.  From  Maryland, 
Hon.  John  C.  Herbert.  From  Virginia,  Col.  Wm.  Mayo, 
Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  Edmond  I.  Lee,  Esq.  From  North  Car 
olina,  Duncan  Cameron,  Esq.,  Joshua  Collins,  Esq.  From 
South  Carolina,  William  Heyward,  Esq.,  Lewis  L.  Gibbes, 
Esq. 

The  house  proceeded  to  the  election  of  a  president,  secre 
tary  and  assistant  secretary,  when  it  appeared  that  the  Rev. 
William  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  was  chosen  president,  the  Rev. 
Ashbel  Baldwin,  secretary,  and  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Rudd,  assist 
ant  secretary. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton  was  appointed  to  inform  the 
House  of  Bishops  that  this  house  was  organized,  and  ready  to 
proceed  to  business. 

The  House  of  Bishops  returned  for  answer,  that  they 
also  were  organized,  and  ready  to  proceed  to  business. 

On  motion,  the  rules  of  order  adopted  by  the  last  General 
Convention,  were  adopted  as  the  rules  of  this  convention. 

The  house  adjourned  until  10  o'clock,  A.  M.,  to-morrow. 


WEDNESDAY,  Oct.  31,  10  o'clock,  A.  M. 

The  house  attended  Divine  Service  in  St.  Peter's  church. 
Service  was  performed  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wyatt,  and  a  sermon 
preached  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Kemp. 

After  Divine  Service  the  house  met. 

The  minutes  of  yesterday  were  read  and  approved. 

The  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  from  Pennsylvania,  present- 


1821.]   JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      611 

ed  the  certificate  of  their  appointment,  and  the  following 
gentlemen  took  their  seats,  viz. 

Eev.  Frederic  Beasley,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Bird  Wilson,  D.  D., 
Eev.  Jackson  Kemper,  Rev.  George  Boyd,  William  Mer 
edith,  Thomas  M'Euen,  Walter  Kerr,  Levi  Paulding,  Esqrs. 

Col.  Lewis  Morris,  a  Lay  deputy  from  South  Carolina,  the 
Rev.  H.  Croswell,  a  Clerical  deputy  from  Connecticut,  the 
Rev.  Richard  D.  Hall,  a  Clerical  deputy  from  Delaware, 
George  Read  and  John  Cummins,  Esqrs.,  Lay  deputies  from 
Delaware,  and  Tench  Tilghman,  Esq.,  a  Lay  deputy  from 
Maryland,  appeared  and  took  their  seats. 

On  motion,  resolved,  that  clergymen  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church,  the  trustees  of  the  Theological  Seminary, 
and  the  managers  of  the  New  York  Education  Society,  who 
may  be  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  during  the  session  of  this 
Convention,  and  not  members  thereof,  be  admitted  to  the 
sittings  of  this  house. 

On  motion,  resolved,  that  the  seat  on  the  right  of  the 
chair  be  reserved  for  the  use  of  the  right  Rev.  the  Bishops, 
whenever  they  may  choose  to  attend  the  sittings  of  this  house. 
This  resolution  was  sent  to  the  house  of  Bishops,  who  pre 
sented  their  thanks  to  this  house  for  their  attention. 

The  report  of  the  trustees  of  the  Theological  Seminary 
was  read.  (See  Appendix,  No.  1.  ) 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  rela 
tive  to  the  call  of  this  special  Convention,  and  accompanied 
by  certain  documents  relating  to  the  same  subject,  which 
were  read.  (See  Appendix,  No.  1.) 

On  motion,  resolved,  that  the  papers  received  from  the 
House  of  Bishops  relative  to  the  Theological  Seminary,  and 
the  report  of  the  Trustees  of  the  seminary,  be  referred  to  a 
committee  of  seven  on  the  part  of  this  house,  and  that  the 
House  of  Bishops  be  respectfully  requested  to  appoint  such 
number  of  their  own  body  as  they  may  think  proper,  to  be, 
with  the  members  appointed  on  the  part  of  this  house,  a  joint 
committee  on  the  said  papers  and  the  matters  therein  con 
tained. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  the  committee. 
Duncan  Cameron,  Esq.,  Richard  Harris,  Esq.,  Col.  Alexander 
Jones,  Rev.  Daniel  Burhans,  Rev.  David  Butler,  Rev.  Dr. 
Wharton,  Rev.  Dr.  Gadsden.  This  resolution  was  sent  to 
the  House  of  Bishops. 


612      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1821. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
forming  this  house  of  their  Concurrence  with  the  resolution, 
proposing  a  joint  committee,  and  that  the  Bight  Rev.  Bishops 
Hobart  and  Kemp  had  been  appointed  on  the  part  of  their 
house. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  with 
a  report  of  the  presiding  Bishop  on  the  subject  of  a  standard 
copy  of  the  book  of  Common  Prayer,  which  was  ordered  to  lie 
on  the  table,  and  the  house  adjourned  until  6  o'clock  this 
evening. 

WEDNESDAY  EVENING,  6  o'clock. 

The  house  met. 

The  report  of  the  presiding  Bishop  on  the  subject  of  a 
standard  copy  of  the  book  of  Common  Prayer,  was  read,  and 
referred  to  a  select  committee,  consisting  of  Peter  Kean, 
Esq.,  Rev.  R.  S.  Mason,  and  William  Meredith,  Esq.  (See 
Appendix,  No.  2.) 

The  house  adjourned  until  one  o'clock,  P.  M.  to-morrow. 


THURSDAY,  Nov.  1,  1  o'clock,  P.  M. 

This  being  thanksgiving  day,  the  members  attended  Di 
vine  Service  in  the  different  churches. 

The  house  met. 

The  minutes  of  yesterday  were  read  and  approved. 

The  report  of  the  managers  of  the  Missionary  Society  was 
presented,  and  read.  (See  Appendix,  No.  3.) 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Simon  Wilmer,  it  was  referred  to  a 
committee. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Boyd,  Rev.  Dr.  Jarvis,  and  Rev.  Simon 
Wilmer,  were  appointed  the  committee. 

On  motion,  resolved,  that  when  this  house  adjourn,  it  will 
adjourn  until  to-morrow,  10  o'clock,  A.  M.,  and  that  this  res 
olution  be  communicated  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

A  communication  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops, 
on  the  subject  of  the  last  rubric  in  the  communion  service, 
which  was  laid  upon  the  table,  and  the  house  adjourned. 


1821.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       613 

FRIDAY,  Nov.  2,  10  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Morning  prayers  were  read  by  the  Kev.  Mr.  Mason.  After 
Divine  Service,  the  house  met. 

The  minutes  of  yesterday  were  read  and  approved. 

The  Kev.  Mr.  Boyd,  from  the  Committee  on  the  report  of 
the  board  of  managers  of  the  Missionary  Society,  made  re 
port,  and  offered  as  an  amendment  the  following,  as  a  fifth 
article  under  the  first  head  of  the  constitution. 

"  The  president  and  vice  presidents  of  this  society  shall 
be  ex-officio  members  of  the  board  of  managers,  and  when 
present  shall  preside  at  its  meetings/' 

This  amendment  was  adopted  and  sent  to  the  House  of 
Bishops. 

Duncan  Cameron,  Esq.,  from  the  Committee  on  the  Theo 
logical  Seminary,  made  the  following  report,  which  was  read. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  communica 
tions  relative  to  the  General  Theological  Seminary,  having 
had  the  same  under  consideration,  report  the  following  con 
stitution  for  the  General  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Prot 
estant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America. 

Submitted. 

DUNCAN  CAMEKON, 
Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and 

Lay  Deputies. 


CONSTITUTION  OP  THE  GENERAL  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY  OF 
THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH  IN  THE  UNITED 
STATES  OF  AMERICA. 

I.  The  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  shall  be  permanently 
established  in  the  state  of  New  York.     The  trustees  of  the  said 
Seminary  shall  have  power,  from  time  to  time,  to  establish  one 
or  more  branch  schools  in  the  state  of  New  York,  or  elsewhere, 
to  be  under  the  superintendence  and  control  of  the  said  trustees. 

II.  The  management  of  the  said  Seminary  shall  be  vested  in  a 
board  of  trustees,  who  shall  have  power  to  constitute  professor 
ships,  and  to  appoint  the  professors,  and  to  prescribe  the  course 
of  study  in  the  respective  schools,  and  to  make  rules  and  regu 
lations  and  statutes  for  the  government  thereof;  and  generally 


614      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1821. 

to  take  such  measures  as  they  may  deem  necessary  to  its  pros 
perity  ;  provided,  that  such  rules  and  regulations,  and  course  of 
study,  and  measures  be  not  repugnant  to  the  constitution  and 
Canons  of  the  Church,  and  to  the  course  of  study  for  candidates 
for  orders  which  is  or  may  be  established  by  the  House  of  Bish 
ops. — The  Bishops  in  their  individual  and  collective  capacity, 
shall  be  visitors  of  the  Seminary,  and  shall  see  that  the  course 
of  instruction  and  discipline  be  conducted  agreeably  to  the  fore 
going  provision. — The  trustees  shall  make  report  to  every  general 
Convention  of  their  proceedings,  and  of  the  state  of  the  Sem 
inary. 

III.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  be  permanently  constituted, 
as  follows : — The  Bishops  of  the  Church  shall  be  ex-officio  mem 
bers  of  the  board.     Every  diocese  shall  be  entitled  to  one  trus 
tee,  and  one  additional  trustee  for  every  eight  clergymen  in  the 
same ;  and  to  one  additional  trustee  for  every  two  thousand  dol 
lars  of  monies  in  any  way  given  or  contributed  in  the  same  to 
the  funds  of  the  Seminary,  until  the  sum  amounts  to  10,000  dol 
lars  ;  and  one  additional  trustee  for  every  10,000  dollars  of  con 
tributions  and  donations,  as  aforesaid,  exceeding  that  sum.     The 
trustees  shall  be  resident  in  the  dioceses  for  which  they  are  ap 
pointed.     They  shall  be  nominated  by  the  diocesan  Conventions 
respectively,  to  every  stated  general  Convention,  who  may  con 
firm  or  reject  such  nominations.      The  senior  Bishop  present 
shall  preside  at  every  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees ;  and 
whenever  demanded  by  a  majority  of  the  Bishops  present,  or  a 
majority  of  the  Clerical  and  Lay  trustees  present,  the  concur 
rence  of  a  majoritv  of  the  Bishops  present,  and  a  majority  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Trustees  present,  shall  be  necessary  to  any  act 
of  the  board.    Eleven  trustees  shall  constitute  a  quorum.     The 
trustees  shall  continue  in  office  until  their  successors  are  appoint 
ed.     In  the  interval  between  the  stated  meetings  of  the  general 
Convention,  the  board  shall  have  power  to  supply  all  vacancies, 
from  the  dioceses  respectively  in  which  they  may  have  occurred. 

IV.  For  the  present,  and  until  the  next  stated  general  Con 
vention,  the  board  of  trustees  shall  consist  of  the  Bishops  of  the 
Church,  and  of  the  24  trustees  of  the  general  Theological  Sem 
inary,  heretofore  established  by  the  General  Convention,  and  of 
fourteen  ^trustees  chosen  by  the  managers   of  the   Protestant 
Episcopal  Theological  Education  Society  in  the  State  of  New 
York.     These  trustees  shall  exercise  the  powers  of  the  perma 
nent  board,  as  detailed  in  the  foregoing  article,  and  agreeably 
to  the  provisions  thereof. 

The  board  of  trustees  shall  always  meet  in  the  diocese  where 


1821.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      615 

the  Seminary  is  established,  at  such  stated  periods  as  they  may 
determine ;  and  special  meetings  may  be  called  by  the  Bishop  of 
the  said  diocese,  and  shall  be  called  by  him  at  the  requisition  of 
a  majority  of  the  Bishops. 

V.  The  professors  of  the  General  Theological  Seminary  hare- 
tofore  established  by  the  General  Convention,  and  the  professors 
in  the  Theological  Seminary  in  the  diocess  of  New  York  shall 
be  professors  in  the  General  Theological  Seminary  hereby  estab 
lished  in  that  diocese. 

The  board  of  trustees  shall  have  power  to  remove  professors 
and  other  officers ;  but  no  professor  shall  be  removed  from  office, 
except  at  a  special  meeting  of  the  board  called  to  consider  the 
same ;  nor  unless  notice  of  an  intended  motion  for  such  removal, 
and  of  the  grounds  thereof  shall  have  been  given  at  a  previous 
meeting  of  the  board.  The  nomination  of  professors  shall  be 
made  at  one  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees,  and  acted  upon  at 
a  subsequent  meeting ;  due  notice  being  given  of  the  object  of 
the  said  meeting  to  every  member  of  the  board. 

VI.  The  funds  and  other  property  and  claims  to  funds  or 
property  of  the  General  Theological  Seminary,  heretofore  es 
tablished  by  the  General   Convention,  shall  be  vested  in  and 
transferred  to  the  General  Seminary  hereby  established,  as  soon 
as  an  act  of  the  board  of  managers  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Theological  Education  Society,  in  the  state  of  New  York,  shall 
vest  in  and  transfer  to  the  same  Seminary,  all  their -funds,  and 
other  property  and  claims  to  funds  and  property — and  all  en 
gagements  and  responsibilities  entered  into  or  assumed  by  either 
of  the  said  institutions,  for  the  purpose  of  their  foundation,  con 
sistent  with  the  other  provisions  of  this  constitution,  shall  be 
considered  as  binding  upon  the  General  Seminary,  so  established 
within  the  state  of  New  York. 

VII.  This  constitution  shall  be  unalterable,  except  by  a  con 
current  vote  of  the  board  of  trustees,  and  of  the  General  Con 
vention. 

The  house  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  proposed 
constitution,  which  passed  a  first  and  second  reading. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
forming  this  bouse  that  they  had  unanimously  adopted  the 
constitution  of  the  General  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Pro 
testant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America, 
as  reported  by  the  committee  to  whom  were  referred  all  pa 
pers  relative  to  the  subject. 

The  further  consideration  ot  the  subject  was  postponed 
until  evening. 


616      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1821. 

The  communication  from  the  House  of  Bishops  on  the  sub 
ject  of  the  last  rubric  in  the  communion  service,  was  read 
and  returned  to  that  house.  (See  Appendix,  No.  4.) 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
forming  this  house  that  they  had  disagreed  to  the  proposed 
amendment  of  the  constitution  of  the  Missionary  Society, 
and  proposing  a  substitute  for  the  present  constitution. 

The  house  adjourned  until  6  o'clock,  P.  M. 

FRIDAY  EVENING,  6  o'clock. 

The  house  met. 

On  motion,  resolved,  that  with  the  consent  of  the  House 
of  Bishops,  the  next  Convention  shall  meet  on  the  day  and  at 
the  place  appointed,  at  the  hour  of  10,  A.  M.,  in  order  to  at 
tend  the  services  usually  performed  at  the  opening  of  the 
Convention. 

The  house  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  constitution 
of  the  General  Theological  Seminary,  which  was  read  a  i  hird 
time,  and  adopted  as  reported  by  the  committee,  and  notice 
Bent  to  the  House  of  Bisiiops. 

Mr.  Meredith,  from  the  committee  on  the  subject  of  a 
standard  copy  of  the  book  of  Common  Prayer,  reported  the 
following  resolution,  which  was  adopted  and  sent  to  the 
House  of  Bishops, 

Resolved,  by  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  the 
House  of  Bishops  concurring,  that  a  joint  committee  of  one 
or  more  Bishops  to  be  appointed  by  the  House  of  Bishops, 
and  of  three  members  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Dep 
uties  to  be  appointed  by  the  house  last  mentioned,  be  au 
thorized  during  the  recess  of  the  General  Convention,  to  su 
perintend  the  printing  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  cor 
recting  and  supplying  any  errors  and  omissions  in  the  edition 
heretofore  established  as  the  standard  Book,  and  introducing 
a  table  of  the  days  on  which  Easter  will  fall  for  38  years,  be 
ing  the  time  of  two  cycles  of  the  moon,  as  reported  by  t  e 
presiding  Bishop  to  this  convention  ;  and  that  in  the  choice 
of  an  edition  for  this  purpose,  the  said  committee  for  the 
sake  of  the  greater  accuracy,  give  a  preference  to  one  to 
be  printed  from  stereotype  plates,  and  authenticate  the  same 
by  their  certificate. 

The  committee  also  proposed  a  Canon,   "  providing  for  a 


1821.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.      617 

new  and  more  complete  and  correct  standard  of  the  Book  of 
Common  Prayer,"  which  was  adopted  and  sent  to  the  House 
of  Bishops.  (See  Appendix,  No.  6.) 

Mr.  Meredith,  Rev.  Dr.  Beasley,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Wilson  were 
appointed  the  committee  on  the  part  of  this  house,  for  super 
intending  the  printing  of  a  standard  copy  of  the  Book  of  Com 
mon  Prayer — Notice  of  this  appointment  was  sent  to  the 
House  of  Bishops. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Onderdonk,  from  the  committee  appointed 
by  the  last  General  Convention  to  consider  the  practicability 
of  providing  a  fund  to  be  at  the  disposal  of  the  General  Con 
vention,  reported  a  canon,  which  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the 
table. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  con 
curring  in  the  resolution  adopted  by  this  house  relative  to  the 
convention  attending  service  on  the  first  day  of  the  session. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  inform 
ing  this  house,  that  they  had  concurred  in  the  resolution  and 
Canon  relative  to  a  standard  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  and 
that  they  had  appointed  the  presiding  Bishop  the  committee 
on  the  part  of  their  house 

The  message  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  with  the  pro 
posed  substitute  for  the  present  constitution  of  the  Mission 
ary  Society  was  read,  and  referred  to  a  committee  consisting 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Henshaw,  Rev.  Mr.  Boyd,  and  Rev.  Mr. 
Kemper. 

On  motion,  resolved,  that  when  this  house  adjourn,  it  will 
adjourn  until  9  o'clock,  A.  M.,  to-morrow. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton,  Rev.  Mr.  Burhans,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr. 
Cummins,  and  Mr.  Garrison  asked  and  obtained  leave  of  ab 
sence  for  the  remainder  of  the  session. 

The  house  adjourned. 


SATURDAY,  Nov.  3,  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 
Morning  prayers  were  read  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Carlile. 
After  Divine  Service  the  house  met. 
The  minutes  of  yesterday  were  read  and  approved. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Henshaw,  from  the  committee  on  the  pro 
posed  substitute  for  the  present  constitution  of  the  Mission- 


618       JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.    [1821. 

ary  Society,  reported  the  substitute  sent  from  the  House 
of  Bishops,  with  some  amendments,  which  were  considered, 
and  the  constitution  as  amended  was  sent  to  the  House  of 
Bishops. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Rudd,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kemper,  were  ap 
pointed  a  committee  to  superintend  the  printing  of  the 
Journals,  and  notice  of  this  appointment  was  sent  to  the 
House  of  Bishops,  who  returned  for  answer  that  they  had 
appointed  the  presiding  Bishop,  to  unite  with  the  committee 
of  this  house,  and  that  they  had  resolved  that  1200  copies  of 
the  Journal  should  be  printed  and  distributed  in  the  several 
dioceses,  according  to  the  number  of  Churches  in  each. 

In  this  resolution  the  house  concurred,  and  notice  of  con 
currence  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Bishops,  pro 
posing  further  amendments  to  the  constitution  of  the  Mis 
sionary  Society,  which  are  concurred  in  by  this  house,  and 
notice  of  concurrence  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  and  the 
constitution  as  amended  was  finally  adopted.  (See  Appendix, 
No.  5.) 

The  house  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  24  directors  and  2 
secretaries  of  the  Missionary  Society. 

Mr.  Meredith  and  Mr.  Tilghmau  were  appointed  tellers. 

The  election  having  been  made,  notice  thereof  was  sent  to 
the  House  of  Bishops,  who  returned  for  answer  that  they  had 
concurred  in  the  election  made  by  this  house,  and  the  follow 
ing  persons  were  declared  duly  chosen,  by  the  concurrent 
vote  of  both  houses. 

Pennsylvania — Rev.  Jackson  Keinper,  Rev.  James  Mont 
gomery,  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  Messrs.  Richard  North,  Rich 
ard  Dale,  Thomas  Hale,  John  Claxton,  Charles  Wheeler,  Is 
rael  Kinsman,  Hugh  de  Haven,  jr.  and  James  Nixon. 

Delaware — Rev.  Richard  D.  Hall. 

Maryland— Rev.  Dr.  Wyatt,  Rev.  J.  P.  K.  Henshaw. 

Virginia — Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer,  Rev.  Wm.  Meade. 

North  Carolina— Rev.  G.  T.  Bedell. 

^South  Carolina — Rev.  Christian  Hanckell,  Lewis  L. 
Gibbes. 

New  Jersey — Rev.  Abiel  Carter. 

New  York— Rev.  Dr.  Milnor,  Rev.  B.  T.  Onderdonk. 

Rhode  Island — Rev.  Salmon  Wheaton. 


1821.]     JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       619 

Massachusetts — Rev.  Thomas  Carlile. 

Secretaries — Rev.  George  Boyd,  Samuel  J.  Bobbins. 

On  motion,  resolved,  that  the  thanks  of  this  house  be  pre 
sented  to  the  President  and  Secretaries  for  the  services  ren 
dered  by  them  respectively,  during  tlw  present  session. 

The  House  of  Bishops  informed  this  house  that  they  were 
ready  to  rise,  and  proposed  closing  the  session  by  prayer. 
This  house  informed  the  House  of  Bishops  that  they  were 
ready  to  unite  in  the  proposed  devotions.  The  House  of 
Bishops  then  attended  in  this  house,  and  prayer  was  perform 
ed  by  the  presiding  Bishop,  after  which  he  addressed  the 
Convention  in  the  following  words  : 


BRETHREN  OF  THIS  CONVENTION, 

I  take  the  liberty  of  giving  vent  to  the  feeling  which  pos 
sesses  me,  at  the  conclusion  of  our  session. 

I  have  attended  all  the  meetings  of  the  General  Conventions, 
from  the  beginning  of  our  organization.  On  some  of  those  oc 
casions,  we  assembled  with  apprehensions  in  the  minds  of  many 
judicious  men  who  had  the  interests  of  the  Church  at  heart,  that 
the  deliberations  would  be  disturbed  by  angry  passions,  and  end 
in  disunion.  In  every  instance,  the  reverse  was  the  issue,  which 
led  me  to  hope,  that  there  was  in  this  matter  a  verifying  of  the 
promise  of  the  great  Head  of  the  Church,  of  being  with  her  to 
the  end  of  the  world. 

The  reason  of  this  call  of  your  attention  to  the  fact  stated,  is 
the  harmony  with  which  we  are  concluding  the  present  session ; 
after  having  met  with  diversity  of  sentiment  on  some  important 
points ;  on  which,  in  consequence  of  mutual  concession,  and  the 
merging  of  local  attachments  in  the  great  object  of  general  good, 
we  are  now  separating  with  comfirmed  zeal  for  the  great  cause 
in  which  we  are  engaged ;  to  be  followed,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  by 
renewed  endeavors  for  its  advancement,  each  of  us  in  his  proper 
sphere. 

With  this  prospect  before  me,  I  invite  you  to  lift  your  hearts 
and  your  voices,  in  singing  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  God,  a 
psalm  appropriate  to  the  occasion.* 


*  The  address  of  the  presiding  bishop  was  inserted  in  the  Journal  by  request  of  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

COMMITTEE  JOB  PUBLICATION. 


620  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.          [1821. 

The  members  of  both  houses  then  united  in  singing  the 
133d  pslaru — after  which  the  benediction  was  pronounced, 
and  the  house  adjourned,  sine  die. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu 
ties. 

WILLIAM  H.  WILMEB, 

PRESIDENT. 
ATTESTED,  ASHBEL  BALDWIN,  SECRETARY. 


JOURNAL 


OF   THE 


IJOUSF  of  JSisljops, 


TUESDAY,  Oct.  30,  1821. 

being  the  day  appointed  fora  special  convention 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  the  Rt.  Kev. 
Wm.  White,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episco 
pal  Church  in  the  state  of  Pennsylvania,  the  Rt.  Kev.  John 
Henry  Hobart,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  state  of  New  York,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Alexander 
V.  G-riswold,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  Eastern  Diocess,  the  Rt. 
Rev.  John  Croes,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episco 
pal  Church  in  the  state  of  New  Jersev,  and  the  Rt.  Rev. 
Thomas  C.  Brownell,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protest 
ant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  state  of  Connecticut,  assem 
bled  in  the  vestry  room  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Wm.  Augustus  Muhlenberg  was  chosen  secre 
tary  to  the  house. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  that  they  were  organized  and  ready  to  pro 
ceed  to  business,  whereupon  this  house  returned  for  answer 
that  they  were  also  ready  to  proceed  to  business,  and  had  a- 
greed  to  attend  Divine  Service  every  day  during  the  session. 

Adjourned. 


WEDNESDAY,  Oct.  31. 

The  bishops  attended  Divine  Service.  Prayers  were  read 
by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wyatt,  and  a  sermon  was  delivered  by  the 
Rt.  Rev.  bishop  Kemp.  The  holy  communion  was  admin- 

621 


622  JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.  [1821, 

istered  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  the  presiding  bishop,  assisted  by  the 
other  bishops  present. 

The  house  met.  Present  as  yesterday.  The  Rt.  Rev, 
bishop  Kemp  of  Maryland,  appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

The  minutes  of  yesterday  were  read  and  approved. 

The  presiding  bishop  stated  to  the  house  that  in  conse 
quence  of  the  request  of  the  major  number  of  the  bishops, 
grounded  on  an  application  made  to  them  by  the  trustees  of 
the  Theological  Seminary,  herewith  presented,  (See  Appen 
dix,  No.  1.)  and  agreeably  to  authority  vested  in  him,  he 
had  called  this  special  convention.  The  bishops  who  made 
the  request  were,  bishops  Griswold,  Moore,  Kemp,  Bowen, 
and  Brownell.  The  statement  was  communicated  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  that  they  had  provided  seats  for  the  Rt.  Rev. 
the  bishops,  whenever  they  might  please  to  attend  in  the 
same.  The  house  returned  their  thanks. 

The  presiding  bishop  made  a  report  "  on  certain  matters 
referred  to  him  by  the  last  General  Convention,  to  take  or 
der."  (See  Appendix,  No.  2.)  Whereupon  the  house  adopted 
the  proposal  in  the  said  report  with  regard  to  a  standard  book 
— and  appointed  the  presiding  bishop  on  the  part  ot  this 
house,  a  committee  to  carry  the  same  into  effect.  Notice 
thereof  was  given  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  report  of  the  trustees  of  the  Theological  Seminary 
was  read.  (See  Appendix,  No.  1.) 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  that  they  had  adopted  a  resolution  to  refer 
all  papers  relative  to  the  General  Theological  Seminary  to  a 
committee  of  seven  members  ;  whereupon  this  house  concur 
red  in  the  resolution,  and  appointed  bishops  Hobart  and 
Kemp  to  act  on  the  part  of  this  house  with  the  aforesaid  com 
mittee. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  7  P.  M. 

7  P.  M.     The  house  met,  and  adjourned. 


THURSDAY,  Nov.  1st. 

This  being  Thanksgiving  day,  the  bishops  attended  Divine 
Service  in  the  several  churches. 


1821.]    JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.       623 

The  house  met.     Present  as  yesterday. 

The  minutes  of  yesterday  were  read  and  approved. 

The  presiding  bishop  made  a  communication  relative  to 
the  Missionary  Society.  (See  Appendix,  No.  3.) 

The  house  adopted  an  opinion  on  the  use  of  part  of  the 
communion  service,  which  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies.  (See  Appendix,  No.  4.) 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  that  they  had  adjourned  until  to-morrow 
morning  at  10  o'clock  ;  whereupon  this  house  adjourned  to 
the  same  hour. 


FRIDAY,  November  2nd. 

The  bishops  attended  Divine  Service.  The  house  met — • 
present  as  yesterday.  The  minutes  of  the  preceding  meet 
ing  were  read  and  approved. 

The  report  of  the  committee,  to  whom  were  referred  all 
papers  relative  to  the  Theological  Seminary,  was  read  ;  where 
upon  the  house  unanimously  resolved  to  adopt  the  constitu 
tion  of  the  General  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  as  re 
ported  by  the  committee — and  gave  notice  thereof  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  report  of  the  managers  of  the  General  Missionary  So 
ciety  was  read.  (See  Appendix,  No.  3.  ) 

A  message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  with  an  alteration  of  the  constitution  of  the 
General  Missionary  Society  ;  whereupon  this  house  disagreed 
to  the  proposed  alteration,  and  adopted  a  substitute  for  the 
present  constitution,  and  sent  it  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies. 

Adjourned  to  6  o'clock  P.  M. 

6  P.  M. 

The  house  met.     Present  as  this  morning. 

A  resolution  was  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  that  the  convention  would  hereafter  com 
mence  business  on  the  first  day  of  the  session,  which  was 
concurred  in  and  returned. 

The  house  adopted  a  resolution  and  a  Canon  respecting  a 


624      JOURNAL  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION.     [1821. 

standard  book,  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  and  appointed  the  presiding  bishop  on  the  part  of 
this  house,  a  committee  to  carry  the  resolution  into  effect. 
(See  Appendix,  No.  6.  ) 
Adjourned  to  9  A.  M.  to  morrow. 


SATURDAY,  November  3d. 

The  bishops  attended  Divine  Service.  The  house  met — 
present  as  yesterday  The  minutes  of  the  preceding  meet 
ing  were  read  and  approved. 

The  house  returned  thanks  to  the  Rt.  Reverend  Bishop 
Kemp  for  his  discourse,  delivered  at  the  opening  of  the  con 
vention,  and  requested  a  copy  of  the  same  for  publication. 

The  constitution  for  the  Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary 
Society  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America,  after  undergoing  amendments  proposed 
by  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  was  finally  a- 
dopted.  (See  Appendix,  No.  5.) 

Resolved,  that  1200  copies  of  the  Journal  of  this  Conven 
tion  be  printed  and  distributed  in  the  different  diocesses,  ac 
cording  to  the  number  of  churches  -in  each — and  that  the 
presiding  bishop  be  a  committee  on  the  part  of  this  house3 
to  carry  the  resolution  into  effect. 

The  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  sent  the  names 
of  certain  persons  chosen  directors  and  officers  of  the  Mis 
sionary  Society,  which  this  house  concurred  in  by  ballot. 

"  Resolved,  that  the  thanks  of  the  house  be  given  to  the 
secretary  for  the  attention  and  ability  with  which  he  has  dis 
charged  the  duties  of  his  office." 

The  convention  being  ready  to  rise,  the  house  adjourned 
to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies.  The  presiding 
bishop,  after  reading  several  appropriate  prayers  from  the 
liturgy,  addressed  the  members  of  the  convention,  and  invit 
ed  them  to  join  in  singing  the  133d  Psalm — after  which  the 
convention  adjourned,  sine  die. 

WM.  WHITE, 

PRESIDING  BISHOP. 

WM.  AUGUSTUS  MUHLENBERG,  Secretary. 


1821.]  APPENDIX.  625 


APPENDIX. 

NO.  1. 

Report  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Theological  Seminary. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  board  of  trustees  of  the 
Theological  Seminary,  to  prepare  a  "  Report  of  the  proceedings 
of  the  Board,  and  of  the  State  of  the  Seminary,"  and  lay  the 
same  before  the  General  Convention,  beg  leave  respectfulyl  to 
offer  the  following  statement : 

The  board  of  trustees  met  at  New  Haven  on  the  13th  day  of 
July,  1820,  and  pursuant  to  the  powers  vested  in  them  by  the 
General  Convention,  proceeded  to  form  a  plan  for  the  organi 
zation  of  the  Seminary.  A  copy  of  this  plan  is  herewith  pre 
sented  to  the  Convention, 

On  the  7th  of  September,  1820,  the  seminary  was  publicly 
opened,  with,  an  inaugural  discourse  by  the  Rev.  professor 
Turner.  Ten  students  presented  themselves  at  the  opening  of 
the  institution,  and  four  others  joined  it  in  the  course  of  the 
first  session.  Two  of  these  were  obliged  to  retire  before  the 
close  of  the  session,  on  account  of  ill  health,  and  another  obtain 
ed  leave  of  absence,  and  has  not  since  returned. 

During  the  second  session,  which  terminated  in  July  last, 
there  was  an  accession  of  seven  new  students,  though  one  of  the 
former  number  was  obliged  to  leave  the  institution  early  in  the 
session,  on  account  of  ill  health.  Since  the  close  of  the  session, 
two  of  the  students  who  had  spent  a  year  in  the  institution,  and 
had  been  for  two  years  previous  engaged  in  their  theological 
studies,  have  been  admitted  to  the  holy  order  of  deacons.' 

During  the  present  session,  which  commenced  in  September, 
seven  new  students  have  entered  the  seminary ; — so  that,  at 
present,  the  institution  numbers  twenty-two  pupils.  The  follow 
ing  is  an  alphabetical  list  of  the  names  of  all  who  have  entered 
the  institution,  and  of  the  diocesses  from  which  they  came. 

From  Connecticut,  David  Botsford.*  From  New  Hamp 
shire,  Franceway  R.  Cossit.f  From  New  York,  Augustus  L. 

*  Admitted  to  Orders. 

f  Had  leave  of  absence,  and  has  not  returned. 


626  APPENDIX.  [1821. 

Converse.  From  New  Jersey,  Robert  Croes.  From  Vermont, 
Palmer  Dyer.  From  New  York,  Manton  Eastburn.  From 
Connecticut,  John  M.  Garfeild,|  Bennet  Glover,*  Richard 
Haughton,§  Lemuel  Hull,  Edward  Ives.  William  Jarvis. 
From  New  York,  Wm.  L.  Johnson,  Saml.  R.  Johnson,  Isaac 
Low.  From  Pennsylvania,  Henry  M.  Mason,  Samuel  Marks, 
Matthew  Matthews.  From  Virginia,  Sylvester  Nash.  From 
Connecticut,  Seth  B.  Paddock.  From  Massachusetts,  William 
Potter.  From  S.  Carolina,  Francis  Rutledge.§  From  Connec 
ticut,  William  Sheltou.  From  Maryland,  Frederick  Schroeder. 
From  S  Carolina,  Martin  Snell,  Edward  Thomas.  From 
Pennsylvania,  Peter  Van  Pelt,  Jr.§  From  New  York,  J.  Law 
rence  Yuonnet. 

The  course  of  studies  pursued  by  the  students  has  been  con 
formable  to  that  prescribed  by  the  house  of  Bishops.  The  pro 
gress  which  they  have  made  in  this  course,  will  be  seen  by  the 
following  extracts  from  the  reports  of  the  professor. 

"  During  the  first  session."  he  says,  "the  pupils  of  the  insti 
tution  have  pursued  the  following  course  of  studies: — The  criti 
cism  of  the  G.-eek  and  Hebrew  texts,  comprehending  accounts 
of  the  most  important  versions  and  editions  of  the  Bible,  togeth 
er  with  discussions  on  the  vowel  points,  targums,  talmuds  Ac — 
All  those  parts  of  Jewish  antiquities  v-hich  tend  to  illustrate 
the  Pentateuch — The  Pentateuch  itself  which  has  been  careful 
ly  read  in  the  Septuagint  version,  and  compared  with  the  He 
brew  text ;  the  variations  having  been,  in  general,  pointed  out, 
and  where  it  was  found  practicable,  accounted  for.  Besides  va 
rious  commentators  and  critics,  the  works  of  Marsh,  Prideaux, 
Gray  and  Jennings  have  been  used  as  text  books.  In  addition 
to  these  studies,  some  of  the  pupils  have  read  Pearson  on  the 
Creed.  Their  wish  to  pursue  systematic  thelogy,  at  this  time, 
acceded  to,  from  the  consideration  that  they  had  been  pursuing 
studies  in  divinity,  between  one  and  two  years  before  they  en 
tered  the  seminary." 

At  the  close  of  the  second  session,  the  professor  reports  as 
follows : — "  The  historical  books  of  the  Old  Testament,  from 
Joshua  to  Esther  inclusive,  have  been  examined,  and  the  more 
important  difficulties  carefully  considered.  The  canonical  au 
thority  of  the  different  works  has  been  investigated,  Gray's 
Key  having  been  used  as  a  text  book ;  the  imperfections  of 
which  I  have  attempted  to  supply  by  a  reference  to  other  au 
thorities,  and  principally  to  the  very  valuable  work  of  Carpzov. 

f  Not  a  regular  student,  being  engaged  in  teaching  a  school, 
{  Left  the  institution  on  account  of  ill  health. 


1821.]  APPENDIX.  627 

When  the  students  had  advanced  to  the  period  where  Prideaux 
commences  his  useful  connection,  this  work  was  used,  and  the 
first  part  of  it  has  been  studied  by  them  with  attention.  Thus 
the  history  has  been  brought  down  to  the  time  of  Simon  the  Just, 
when  according  to  the  Jews  the  canon  of  the  Old  Testament 
was  completely  settled.  The  chief  points  of  difference  between 
Prideaux  in  his  account  of  the  Assyrian  empire,  and  others 
who  prefer  the  authority  of  Herodotus  to  that  of  Ctesias,  and 
particularly  between  him  and  Dr.  Hales,  have  been  made 
known  to  the  students.  Some  notice,  although  not  very  con 
siderable,  has  a'so  been  taken  of  the  book  of  Job,  and  of  the 
Psalms.  In  the  New  Testament,  the  four  gospels,  in  Greek, 
have  been  the  subject  of  study — Greisbach's  edition  having 
been  used  as  the  text,  and  Schleusner  principally  as  the  lexicog 
rapher.  Besides  the  commentators  recommended  in  the  pre 
scribed  course,  'other  critics  have  been  used,  among  whom  Mid- 
dleton,  whose  work  on  the  article  corrects  so  ably  many  of 
the  errors  of  Wakefield,  holds  a  conspicuous  rank.  The  first 
three  Evangelists  were  reviewed,  and  St.  John's  gospel  read  in 
archbishop  Newcome's  Greek  Harmony*  The  authority  of 
each  gospel  has  been  examined,  and  particular  attention  has 
been  paid  to  certain  parts,  the  authenticity  of  which  has  by 
some  been  doubted  on  insufficient  grounds  The  work  of  Dr. 
Campbell  has  been  used  by  the  pupils,  and  his  first  six  disser 
tations  have  been  made  the  subject  of  study  and  recitation." 

The  professor  continues — and  the  observatipn  applies  equally 
to  the  preceding,  and  to  the  present  session — "It  has  been  my 
endeavor  to  accompany  the  exercises  with  such  remarks  as  ap 
peared  beneficial,  and  once  a  week  a  written  lecture,  on  some 
subject  connected  with  the  course  of  studies,  has  been  deliv 
ered." 

It  may  be  proper  to  add,  that  all  the  students  have  attended 
the  instructions  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Brownell,  one  day  in 
each  week,  in  the  department  of  pulpit  eloquence,  and  the  com 
position  of  sermons,  and  that  he  has  given  these  instructions 
gratuitously. 

At  the  close  of  each  session,  public  examinations  have  been 
held,  in  the  presence  of  the  trustees  and  the  clergy.  On  these 
occasions  the  students  have  acquitted  themselves  in  such  a  man 
ner  as  to  meet  the  approbation  of  the  board  of  trustees,  who 
have  also  expressed  their  sense  of  the  ability,  fidelity  and  zeal 
of  the  Rev.  Professor. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  trustees,  held  at  New  Haven, 
the  24th  of  July  last,  the  necessity  of  an  additional  professor 


628  APPENDIX.  [1821. 

became  so  apparent,  that  the  board  were  induced  to  take  meas 
ures  to  effect  so  desirable  an  object.  They  accordingly  resolved 
to  open  a  subscription,  by  which  each  subscriber  should  become 
responsible  for  $50  per  annum,  for  the  term  of  three  years,  for 
the  purpose  of  supporting  a  professor  of  systematic  theology. 
The  salary  was  to  be  fixed  at  $1000  a  year ;  and  if  more  than 
that  sum  should  be  subscribed,  the  surplus  was  to  be  devoted 
towards  the  support  of  the  present  professor.  Thirteen  sub 
scriptions  were  immediately  obtained  from  the  persons  present ; 
and  the  trustees  were  so  fully  confident  that  the  requisite  sum 
would  be  made  up,  that  they  appointed  the  Rev.  Bird  Wilson 
to  the  professorship.  As  this  gentleman  has  not  yet  accepted 
the  appointment,  the  matter  rests  till  his  determination  shall  be 
communicated  to  the  board  of  trustees. 

From  the  approbation  with  which  this  plan  of  support  has 
been  received,  there  is  but  little  doubt  that  a  sum  can  be  ob 
tained  in  this  way,  equal  to  the  temporary  support  of  two  pro 
fessors  ;  while  the  money  obtained  in  other  ways,  may  be  ex 
pected  to  accumulate  to  such  a  fund,  before  the  temporary  sup 
port  shall  fail,  as  to  render  it  no  longer  necessary. 

Immediately  on  the  organization  of  the  seminary,  it  became 
a  primary  object  of  the  board  of  trustees,  to  make  arrange 
ments  for  obtaining  the  requisite  funds  for  its  support  and  en 
dowment.  Thi<  must  of  necessity,  be  a  gradual  and  progress 
ive  work.  The  resolutions  passed  by  the  board  on  this  subject, 
may  be  seen  in  the  appendix  to  the"  Plan  of  the  Seminary," 
page  20.  Some  progress  has  already  been  made  towards  carry 
ing  this  object  into  effect ;  enough,  indeed,  to  show  that  the 
seminary  meets  the  general  approbation  of  the  Church,  and 
will  receive  a  liberal  patronage;  and  to  warrant  the  trustees  in 
sayiug,  that  if  the  objects  of  the  General  Convention  in  the  es 
tablishment  of  it,  should  by  any  means  be  defeated,  it  will  not 
be  from  any  impracticability  of  obtaining  the  necessary  funds 
for  ite  support. 

At  the  period,  however,  when  the  measures  in  progress  for 
obtaining  subscriptions,  were,  by  the  arrangements  made,  to 
have  become  general  throughout  the  union,  the  legacy  of  the 
late  Mr.  Sherred,  fjr  the  advancement  of  theological  learning, 
became  known  to  the  public.  This  circumstance  has  had  the 
eflect  of  suspending  all  further  efforts  till  the  intention  of  the 
General  Convention  in  relation  to  it,  shall  be  expressed.  What 
has  already  been  done  in  the  several  diocesses,  may  be  estima 
ted  from  the  following  view. 


1821.]  APPENDIX.  629 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

This  diocess  took  an  early  interest  in  the  cause  of  a  general 
Theological  Seminary,  and  gave  a  proof  of  that  interest  in  the 
liberal  subscriptions  obtained  there,  in  the  year  1818.  The 
sum  of  $1675,  of  this  subscription,  remained  due  when  the  in 
stitution  was  removed  from  New  York  to  New  Haven.  This 
sum,  (with  the  exception  of  $25,  )  the  agent  there  informs  the 
trustees  will  be  collected  without  difficulty.  Two  hundred  and 
ten  dollars  has  already  been  added  by  new  subscribers,  and  of 
the  whole  sum,  $710  has  already  been  collected  and  forwarded  to 
the  treasurer.  The  ladies  of  South  Carolina  have  also  raised  a 
further  sum  of  $2000,  for  the  purpose  of  founding  a  scholarship, 
to  take  the  name  of  the  late  bishop  of  that  diocess. 

The  friends  of  the  institution  have  thought  it  best  to  defer 
any  further,  or  general  effort,  to  obtain  subcriptions  till  the 
ensuing  winter. 

NORTH  CAROLINA. 

North  Carolina,  which  has  but  within  a  few  years  assumed  the 
rank  of  a  diocess,  has  manifested  a  distinguished  zeal  and  liber 
ality  in  the  cause  of  the  seminary.  Nearly  $10,000  has  already 
been  subscribed  in  this  diocess,  towards  the  endowment  of  a 
professorship.  The  subscriptions  are  payable  in  five  annual  in 
stalments,  commencing  the  first  of  May  last,  with  the  condition 
that  till  the  whole  sum  is  subscribed,  the  interest  of  the  monies 
in  the  hands  of  the  trustees  of  the  fund  shall  be  devoted  to  the 
support  of  necessitous  students  in  the  seminary.  The  principal 
agent  in  procuring  these  subscriptions  assures  the  board  of  trus 
tees,  that  he  has  the  fullest  confidence  that  the  remainder  of  the 
sum  necessary  to  constitute  the  professorship,  will  be  subscribed 
within  a  reasonable  period. 

VIRGINIA. 

In  the  year  1818  there  were  subscriptions  obtained  in  this  di 
ocess,  for  the  general  seminary,  to  the  amount  of  more  than 
$1400 ;  about  1200  of  which  remained  unpaid  when  the  institu 
tion  was  transferred  to  New  Haven.  During  the  last  winter  an 
agent  was  appointed  to  visit  this  state,  for  the  purpose  of  col 
lecting  these  subscriptions,  and  soliciting  further  patronage,  but 
the  depression  of  the  times  deterred  him  from  prosecuting  his 
object.  He  collected  little  more  than  $100  of  the  former  sub 
scriptions,  and  obtained  other  subscriptions  to  the  amount  of 
about  $300,  cheifly  in  the  District  of  Columbia. 

MARYLAND. 

A  public  meeting  of  the  Episcopalians  was  called  at  Balti- 


630  APPENDIX.  [1821. 

more,  in  this  diocess,  in  January  last,  by  the  trustees  residing 
there.  The  bishop  presided,  and  warmly  recommended  the  sem 
inary  to  the  patronage  of  his  diocess.  The  subject  was  taken  up 
•with  much  zeal,  and  a  board  of  agents  was  appointed  from  a- 
mong  the  most  respectable  citizens.  But  before  the  time  ap- 

Eointed  for  commencing  the  subscriptions,  the  bequest  of  the 
ite  Mr.  Sherred  became  known,  and  it  was  determined  to  post 
pone  the  collections  to  the  present  autumn.  The  liberal  spirit 
with  which  the  subject  has  been  met  in  this  diocess,  affords  a 
pledge  that  whenever  the  subscription  books  shall  be  opened 
there,  no  reasonable  expectations  of  the  church  will  be  disap 
pointed. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

A  meeting  of  the  friends  of  the  seminary  has  also  taken  place 
at  Philadelphia,  previous  to  the  meeting  at  Baltimore,  on  the 
call  of  the  bishop  and  other  trustees  residing  in  Pennsylvania. 
A  board  of  agents  was  appointed,  which  was  subsequently  di 
vided  into  four  committees,  for  the  purpose  of  soliciting  sub 
scriptions.  Only  one  of  these  committees  has  yet  acted  to  any 
extent:  the  others  thought  it  expedient  to  defer  acting  till  the 
present  autumn.  The  sum  actually  obtained  by  this  board  is 
understood  to  be  about  1260  dollars.  The  ladies  of  Philadel 
phia  took  an  early  interest  in  the  prosperity  of  the  seminary, 
and  originated  a  subscription  for  the  purpose  of  founding  a 
scholarship,  to  take  the  name  of  the  present  venerable  bishop  of 
the  diocess.  More  than  $1800  were  raised  and  invested  for  this 
object  some  months  ago,  and  it  is  understood  that  nearly  the 
whole  amount  is  now  raised. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

]S"o  efforts  have  yet  been  made  to  obtain  subscriptions  in  this 
diocess.  One  gentleman  has  manifested  his  good  will  towards 
the  seminary  by  a  donation  of  820,  and  another  has  contributed 
ten  dollars. 

NEW  YORK. 

A  board  of  agents  has  been  constituted  in  this  diocess,  but 
owing  to  peculiar  circumstances,  they  have  not  yet  thought  it 
expedient  to  make  any  considerable  effort  to  obtain  subscriptions. 
For  themselves,  they  have  subscribed  with  great  liberality,  and 
they  have  collected  a  few  subscriptions  from  their  friends — chief 
ly  among  those  who  had  subscribed  while  the  institution  was  at 
New  York.  In  this  way,  upwards  of  $3,200  have  been  obtained, 
exclusive  of  1175  dollars  subscribed  out  of  the  city;' the  greater 


1821.]  APPENDIX.  631 

part  of  which  has  been  paid  directly  to  the  treasurer.  Several 
gentlemen  in  this  diocess  have  contributed  liberally  towards  the 
establishment  of  a  theological  library;  and  the  value  of  the 
books  transmitted  from  the  city  of  New  York,  cannot  be  esti 
mated  at  less  'than  S3, 000. 

CONNECTICUT. 

Arrangements  have  been  commenced  in  this  diocess  to  endow 
a  professorship,  to  take  the  name  of  the  first  bishop  of  the  dio 
cess.  Agents  were  appointed  to  collect  subscriptions  for  this 
object,  during  the  last  winter,  but  owing  to  the  indisposition  of 
one  of  them,  and  sickness  in  the  family  of  another,  *the  business 
was  delayed  till  spring.  When  this  period  arrived,  the  fact  of 
Mr.  Sherred's  bequest  became  public,  and  it  was  thought  prop- 
per  under  such  circumstances,  to  defer  collections  till  the  inten 
tion  of  the  General  Convention  should  be  declared.  One  gen 
tleman  had  subscribed  $1000  towards  the  professorship,  and  aid 
ed  in  obtaining  about  700  dollars  more  in  his  immediate  vicin 
ity.  Four  other  gentlemen  had  tendered  500  dollars  each. 
From  the  knowledge  which  the  committee  possess,  they  feel  con 
fident  in  assuring  the  convention  that  if  the  institution  should 
remain  where  it  now  is,  the  sum  necessary  to  constitute  the  pro 
fessorship  will  be  made  up  in  this  diocess,  within  a  reasonable 
period. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

An  agent  was  appointed  to  visit  Boston  during  the  last  spring, 
who  obtained  subscriptions  there  to  the  amount  of  1815  dollars 
— 1715  dollars  of  which  have  been  paid.  Besides  this  sum' a 
generous  individual  made  a  proffer  of  1500  dollars — the  interest 
to  be  paid  semi-aunually,  till  the  donation  shall  be  paid  into  the 
hands  of  the  treasurer.  Another  individual  has  promised  a  do 
nation  of  1000  dollars.  The  agent  being  unable  to  pi'olong  his 
stay  in  Boston,  the  business  was  undertaken  by  a  committee 
there,  but  from  which  no  report  has  yet  been  received. 

No  application  has  yet  been  made  for  subscriptions  in  the 
other  parts  of  the  eastern  diocess,  though  assurances  of  patron 
age  have  been  given,  whenever  the  effort  shall  be  made. 

RECAPITULATION. 

Diocesses.  Sums  promised,  or  subscribed 

since  the  removal. 

South  Carolina, $  3,810. 

North  Carolina,  (about)         .         .         .  10,000. 

Virginia,  (about) 400. 

Maryland  and  Delaware,  no  application. 


632  APPENDIX.  [1821. 

Pennsylvania, 3,060. 

New  York,           ...        .        .        .  4,375. 

New  Jersey,  no  application.          ...  30. 

Connecticut, 3,700. 

Massachusetts, 4,315. 

Vermont,  New  Hampshire,  Rhode  Island, 
and  Maine,  no  application. 

29,690. 

Value  of  the  library,  say          .        .        .  4,000. 

Funds  when  removed,          ....  3,700. 


37,390. 

Only  a  small  proportion  of  the  above  funds  has  yet  come 
into  the  hands  of  the  treasurer.  A  part  has  been  invested  by 
agents  abroad — some  remains  in  the  hands  of  agents ;  and  there 
must  be  a  trifling  deduction  for  the  expenses  of  agents.  It  re 
sults,  therefore,  that  the  convention  must  seek  for  a  just  esti 
mate  of  the  funds  of  the  institution  in  the  foregoing  statement 
at  large,  and  not  in  the  account  of  the  treasurer.  The  follow 
ing  report  of  his  receipts  and  expenditures  was  presented  to  the 
board  of  trustees,  at  their  annual  meeting  in  July  last. 

"  A  summary  statement  of  the  receipts  and  expenditures  of 
the  treasurer  of  the  Episcopal  Theological  Seminary,  from  Sept. 
8,  1820,  to  July  26,  1821. 

Amount  received  applicable  to  current  expen 
ses  ;  consisting  of  sundry  subscriptions,  interest 
and  dividends  on  stock,  .  .  .      $2435.15 

Amount  received  on  account  of  Massachusetts 
Professorship,  .  ....  .       800.00 

Do.         Do.  Do.  Seabury  Professorship,  110.00 

$3345.15 

DISBURSEMENTS — viz. 

Paid  Rev.  Dr.  Jarvis  balance  of  salary,        .        .  1000.00 

Professer  Turner  on  account  of  salary,          .  900.00 
Sundry  bills  for  rent  of  rooms,  furniture, 

stationery,  printing.  &c         .         .        .  351.74 

For  ten  shares  Eagle  Bank,       .         .        .  1000.00 

Balance  in  treasury, 93.41 

$3345.15 


1821.]                              APPENDIX.  633 

Of  the  aforesaid  balance  there  is  applicable  to 

current  expenses, 83.41 

Seabury  Professorship, 10.00 


$93.41 

Of  the  aforesaid  10  shares  in  Eagle  Bank, 
8  belong  to  the  Massachusetts  Professorship,   .         .  800.00 

1  Seabuiy  Professorship, 100.00 

1  General  Fund,  100.00 


$1000.00 
New  Haven,  July  26,  1821. 

(Signed,)  CHARLES  DENXISON,  Treasurer" 

No  express  provision  was  made  by  the  last  convention  for 
the  formation  of  a  Theological  library,  but  the  trustees  are 
happy  to  report  that  a  valuable  foundation  has  already  been 
laid  for  one,  which  it  is  hoped  may  soon  be  commensurate  with 
the  wants  of  the  institution.  This  has  been  chiefly  eliected  by 
the  liberality  of  a  few  individuals.  A  few  books,  for  which 
there  was  a  pressing  necessity,  have  been  purchased  from  the 
donation  of  a  gentleman,  who  directed  that  it  might  be  subject 
to  such  an  expenditure.  The  library  of  the  institution  consists, 
at  present,  of  more  than  900  volumes — upwards  of  300  of  which 
are  folios,  and  many  of  the  books  extremely  rare  and  valuable. 
This  is  exclusive  of  a  valuable  collection  of  theological  books, 
deposited  for  the  use  of  the  students,  by  a  gentleman  of  Con 
necticut. 

The  legislature  of  Connecticut  has  passed  an  act,  upon  the 
petition  of  the  trustees  of  the  seminary,  by  which  the  institution 
is  incorporated  within  that  state,  upon  the  same  principles  on 
which  it  was  established  by  the  convention,  and  with  leave  to 
hold  funds  to  the  amount  of  200,000  dollars. 

In  concluding  this  report,  the  committee  beg  leave  to  express 
their  hopes  that  the  course  which  has  been  pursued  by  the  board 
of  trustees  may  meet  the  approbation  of  the  convention,  and 
that  the  progress  and  present  state  of  the  seminary  may  not  be 
thought  to  have  come  short  of  the  expectations  which  were  enter 
tained  at  the  time  of  its  establishment  at  New  Haven. 

BY  THE  COMMITTEE, 
THOMAS  C.  BROWNELL,  CHAIRMAN, 

HARRY  CROSWELL,  Secretary. 


634  APPENDIX.  [1821. 

CIRCULAR    TO    THE    BISHOPS  REQUESTING  A  CALL  OF  A 
SPECIAL  MEETING  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONVENTION. 

NEW  HAVEN,  MAY  25th,  1821. 
RIGHT  REVEREND  SIR, 

Mr.  Jacob  Sherred,  late  of  the  city  of  New  York,  died  in 
March  1821,  leaving  by  his  will,  dated  the  28th  of  January 
1820,  to  his  executors,  the  Rev.  John  Coruelison,  George 
Arcularius,  and  Jacob  Lorillard,  the  residuum  of  his  estate, 
after  the  payment  of  certain  legacies,  in  trust  for  purposes 
which  will  appear  from  the  following  extract : 

"  Item, — I  give  and  bequeath  unto  my  sister  Elizabeth,  the 
sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars  of  lawful  money  aforesaid,  and  in 
case  my  sister  Elizabeth  should  not  be  living  at  my  decease, 
then  I  give  and  bequeath  the  aforesaid  legacy  or  sum  of  ten 
thousand  dollars  to  the  children  or  child  of  my  said  sister  Eliz 
abeth,  living  at  my  decease  if  any  there  shall  be ;  to  be  equally 
divided  among  them,  share  and  share  alike,  if  more  than  one,  and 
if  but  one  child  of  my  said  sister  Elizabeth  shall  be  living  at  my 
decease,  then  the  whole  of  the  said  legacy  or  sum  of  ten  thou 
sand  dollars,  to  go  to  such  child,  to  whom  I  give  and  bequeath 
the  same  accordingly.  But  insomuch  as  I  am  ignorant  wheth 
er  my  said  sister  Elizabeth  is  now  living,  and  whether  she  hath, 
or  hath  not,  left  any  children  or  child  now  living,  not  having 
heard  from  or  of  her  in  many  years,  and  being  ignorant  of  her 
place  of  residence,  my  will  is  that  unless  the  said  legacy  *hall  be 
daimt'd  of  my  said  Executors,  by  the  said  legatee  or  legatees,  ivith- 
in  the  period  or  space  of  jive  years  from  and  next  immediately  after 
my  decease,  the  said  legacy  shall  lapse,  and  I  do  hereby  absolute 
ly  revoke  the  same ;  and  the  said  sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars,  to 
gether  with  any  accumulation  thereof  as  hereinafter  mentioned, 
shall  be  subject  to  the  residuary  bequest  hereinafter  by  me  made. 
And  I  do  hereby  order  and  direct  my  said  executors,  as  soon  as 
conveniently  may  be  after  my  decease,  to  place  at  interest  in 
there  own  name  upon  real  security,  or  invest  in  the  purchase  of 
six  per  cent,  or  other  public  stocks  of  the  United  States,  or  of 
the  state  of  New  York,  or  the  stock  or  stocks  of  banking  or 
other  incorporated  companies,  at  their  discretion,  the  aforesaid 
sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars,  if  the  same  shall  not  then  yet  be 
claimed  by  the  aforesaid  legatee  or  legatees,  and  in  like  man 
ner,  from  time  to  time  to  invest  or  place  at  interest  in  like 
stock  or  securites,  the  interest  or  dividends  of  such  stock  or  se- 
curites,  in  or  upon  which  the  said  capital  sum  shall  be  so  invest 
ed,  until  the  said  legacy  shall  be  claimed  by  the  said  legatee  or 


1821.]  APPENDIX.  635 

legatees  as  aforesaid,  or  until  the  expiration  of  the  said  period 
of  five  years  from  and  next  immediately  after  my  decease  as  a- 
foresaid,  whichever  shall  first  happen,  so  as  to  produce  as  great 
an  accumulation  of  capital,  as  reasonably  may  be  in  the  nature 
of  compound  interest,  and  if  the  said  legacy  shall  be  claimed 
by  the  said  legatee  or  legatees  within  the  said  period  of  five 
years  as  aforesaid,  then  the  same,  together  with  such  accumula 
tion  thereof  shall  be  paid  or  transferred  to  such  legatee  or  leg 
atees  as  aforesaid,  and  if  the  same  shall  not  be  claimed,  by  the 
said  legatee  or  legatees  within  such  period  as  aforesaid,  then 
the  same,  together  with  such  accumulation  thereof  shall  sink  into 
and  become  part  of  my  residuary  estate,  and  shall  go  and  be  appli 
ed,  according  to  the  disposition  hereinafter  by  me  made  of  the 
same.  And  as  to  all  the  rest,  residue  and  remainder  of  my  per 
sonal  estate  and  effects,  not  otherwise  disposed  of  by  this  my 
will,  I  give  and  bequeath  the  same,  and  every  part  thereof  unto 
my  said  executors,  their  executors  administrators  and  assigns, 
upon  the  trusts,  and  for  the  intents  and  purposes  herein  after 
expressed  and  declared  of  and  concerning  the  same ;  that  is  to 
say,  upon  trust  that  they  do  and  shall  place  the  same  to  interest 
upon  real  security,  or  invest  the  same  in  the  purchase  of  six  per 
cent,  or  other  public  stock  of  the  United  States  or  of  the  state 
of  New  York,  or  in  the  stock  or  stocks  of  banking  or  other  in 
corporated  companies  at  their  discretion,  and  that  they  do  and 
shall  in  like  manner  from  time  to  time  invest  or  place  at  inter 
est  in  like  stocks  or  securities,  the  interests  or  dividends  arising 
thereon,  so  as  to  produce  as  great  an  accumulation  of  capital, 
as  reasonably  may  be  in  the  nature  of  compound  interest  until 
there  shall  be  established  within  the  state  of  New  York,  under  the 
direction,  or  by  the  authority  of  the  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  or 
of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
state  of  New  York,  a  college,  academy,  school  or  seminary,  for  the 
education  of  young  men  designed  for  holy  orders  in  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  and  upon 
such  college,  academy,  school  or  seminary  being  so  established 
then  upon  further  trust,  that  they  do  and  shall  pay  or  trans 
fer  all  such  stock  or  securities  to  the  trustees,  directors  or  man 
agers,  for  the  time  being  of  such  college,  academy,  school  or 
seminary,  or  their  treasurer  or  other  officer  thereto  authorized 
for  the  use  and  purposes  of  such  college,  academy,  school  or 
seminary,  and  for  which  the  receipt  of  any  three  or  more  of  such 
trustees,  directors,  or  managers  as  my  said  executors  shall  in 
their  discretion  deem  it  expedient  to  require,  or  of  such  treasur- 


636  APPENDIX.  [1821. 

er  or  other  officer  thereto  authorized,  shall  be  a  sufficient  dis 
charge  to  my  executors.  Provided  always,  and  my  will  is,  and 
I  do  hereby  declare  that  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to  and  for 
my  said  executors  from  time  to  time  at  their  discretion,  to  call 
in  the  amount  of,  and  to  sell  and  transfer  all  or  any  such  stocks 
or  securities  wherein  or  upon  which  the  before  mentioned  lega 
cies  or  bequests  any  or  either  of  them  shall  be  placed  out  or  in 
vested  in  pursuance  of  this  my  will  or  any  part  thereof  respect 
ively  and  again  to  place  at  interest  or  invest  the  same  in  other 
securities  or  stocks,  as  aforesaid,  to  vary,  alter  or  transpose  all  or 
any  such  stocks  or  securities  when,  where  and  so  often  as  it  shall 
by  them  be  deemed  expedient  so  to  do.  And  that  they  or  any 
of  them  shall  not  be  answerable  or  accountable  for  the  insuf 
ficiency  or  deficiency  of  any  such  stocks  or  securities." 

The  amount  of  this  residuary  bequest,  exclusive  of  the  ten 
thousand  dollars  which  may  at  the  expiration  of  five  years 
lapse  and  become  a  further  endowment,  is  estimated  at  not 
less  than  seventy  thousand  dollars. 

As  soon  as  the  conditions  of  this  will  were  made  known,  the 
trustees  of  the  General  Theological  Seminary  resident  in  New 
York,  in  connexion  with  the  agents  appointed  in  that  city  for 
the  purpose  of  obtaining  subscriptions  to  the  funds  of  the  insti 
tution,  deemed  it  their  duty  to  take  immediate  measures  to  as 
certain  whether  it  was  the  intention  of  the  testator  to  endow 
the  institution  with  which  they  were  connected.  They  accord 
ingly  sent  exemplifications  of  the  will  to  gentlemen  learned  in 
the  law  in  various  parts  of  the  United  States,  requesting  them 
to  give  their  opinions  on  the  matters  at  issue.  A  request  was 
also  made  to  the  bishop  of  Connecticut  by  the  three  Trus 
tees,  that  he  would  summon  a  special  meeting  of  the  board  for 
the  purpose  of  receiving  and  comparing  such  opinions  and  tak 
ing  such  proper  measures,  as  were  or  might  be  suggested  by  the 
same,  in  order  to  secure  the  bequest  to  the  General  Seminary. 
The  Trustees  have  accordingly  met,  and  have  received  the  opin 
ions,  some  written  and  some  verbal,  of  many  of  the  most  distin 
guished  jurists  in  the  United  States. 

The  two  questions  which  are  chiefly  to  be  considered,  are, 
First,  whether  a  Seminary  to  be  established  within  the  state  of 
New  York,  by  the  General  Convention,  will  be  entitled  to  the 
bequest,  in  preference  to  a  Seminary  established  by  the  Conven 
tion  of  the  state  of  New  York;  and  if  so,  Secondly,  what 
measures  the  General  Convention  ought  to  adopt  to  secure  the 
bequest  to  its  own  Seminary. 

Two  constructions  of  the  will  are  contended  for.    One  is  that 


1821.]  APPENDIX.  637 

the  testator  intended  his  bounty  for  a  Seminary  to  be  establish 
ed  within  the  state  of  New  York,  by  the  authority  and  under 
the  direction  of  the  General  Convention ;  and  that  in  default  of 
that  Convention  to  establish  and  assume  the  direction  of  such 
a  seminary,  then  that  it  should  go  to  a  Seminary  there  to  be  es 
tablished,  by  the  authority  and  under  the  direction  of  the  Con 
vention  of  the  state  of  New  York.  The  other  construction  is 
that  the  testator  intended  the  bequest  for  the  Seminary  which 
should  \>Q  first  established  within  the  state  of  New  York  by  the 
authority  and  under  the  direction  of  either  Convention,  which 
ever  it  might  be  that  should  first  make  the  establishment. 

The  most  obvious  reasons  assigned  for  the  first  construction 
are  that  the  General  Convention  is  first  named,  and  may  there 
fore  reasonably  be  presumed  to  have  been  first  and  principally 
in  the  mind  of  the  testator.  The  General  Convention  is  the  su 
perior  body,  whose  duty  it  is  to  prescribe  the  course  of  educa 
tion  and  the  qualifications  of  candidates  for  holy  orders,  and 
may  well  be  supposed  to  have  possessed  the  greatest  share  of  the 
testator's  confidence.  A  donation  in  trust  to  the  superior  body  is 
more  likely  to  be  in  accordance  with  the  views  and  considera 
tions  which  commonly  influence  donors  than  one  to  the  inferior 
body.  Any  other  construction  leaves  the  testator's  intention  en 
tirely  doubtful  on  this  point,  and  it  is  not  probable  that  lie 
named  the  two  bodies,  one  of  which  was  to  establish  and  super 
intend  the  charity  without  intending  a  preference  of  one  over 
the  other. 

On  the  other  hand,  it  is  contended,  that  the  naming  of  the 
General  Convention  first  does  not  denote  a  preference,  because 
where  two  objects  are  mentioned  for  Avhich  there  is  no  common 
term,  one  must  necessarily  be  named  before  the  other.  The  lan 
guage  also  of  the  will  is  that  the  executors  are  to  retain  the 
fund  in  their  hands  and  to  reinvest  The  interest,  etc.,  "until 
there  shall  be  established  under  the  authority  of  the  General 
Convention,  or  of  the  State  Convention,  a  College  or  Seminary, 
etc.,  and  upon  such  College  or  Seminary  being  established,  then 
to  pay  over  to  its  Trustees."  The  literal  meaning,  it  is  con 
tended,  of  such  language  is,  that  whichever  Convention  should 
first  establish  a  seminary  conformable  to  the  description  in  the 
will,  acquires  a  right  to  the  legacy  which  cannot  be  taken  away 
by  the  subsequent  establishment  of  another.  To  this  it  is  re 
plied  that  from  the  very  terms  of  the  bequest  it  evidently  ap 
pears  that  the  Testator  was  in  no  hurry  to  establish  a  Seminary, 
since  he  speaks  not  only  of  an  accumulation  of  interest,  while 
the  property  continues  in  the  hands  of  the  executors,  but  also  of 


638  APPENDIX.  [1821. 

an  accumulation  in  the  rate  of  compound  interest,  which  implies 
its  continuance  in  their  hands  at  least  two  years  after  it  is  vest 
ed  in  the  manner  required  by  the  testator.  And  further  it  can 
not  reasonably  be  supposed  that  one  who  was  so  well  known  to 
love  the  prosperity  and  peace  of  the  Church  meant  to  hold  out 
his  bequest  as  an  invitation  to  the  two  Conventions  to  run  a 
race,  or  enter  into  any  contest,  for  the  priority. 

If  a  Seminary  established  by  the  General  Convention  within 
the  state  of  New  York  be  in  equity  entitled  to  the  bequest,  the 
second  question  which  remains  to  be  considered  respects  the 
measures  to  be  adopted  in  order  to  secure  it ;  Whether  it  be 
necessary  or  expedient  to  call  a  special  meeting  of  the  General 
Convention  as  soon  as  may  conveniently  be  done. 

As  to  the  necessity  of  this  measure^  there  is  some  diversity  of 
opinion,  among  those  who  advocate  the  rights  of  the  General 
Convention.  Some  are  of  opinion  that  the  right  will  not  lapse, 
unless  the  Convention  at  their  next  regular  triennial  meeting, 
should  neglect  to  act  upon  the  bequest ;  others  on  the  contrary, 
think  that  the  Convention  is  bound  to  assemble  as  soon  as  can 
conveniently  be  done. 

.But  though  there  is  a  diversity  of  opinion  as  to  the  necessity 
of  the  measure  of  calling  a  special  meeting  of  the  General  Con 
vention,  with  regard  to  its  expediency  there  seems  to  be  little  or 
no  doubt.  Some  express  themselves  in  stronger  language  than 
others ;  but  most,  if  not  all  agree  that  a  special  meeting  should 
immediately  be  called,  and  a  Theological  Seminary  established 
under  its  direction  and  authority  within  the  state  of  New  York. 
This  opinion  has  been  greatly  strengthened  in  the  view  of  the 
Trustees,  by  the  consideration  that  the  interests  of  the  present 
General  Seminary,  as  well  as  those  of  all  other  parties  concern 
ed,  require  as  speedy  a  decision  of  the  question  as  possible.  The 
exertions  which  have  hitherto  been  made  with  considerable  suc 
cess  for  increasing  the  funds  of  the  Institution  are  now  paralyz 
ed,  and  must  continue  to  be  so,  till  it  is  known  what  course  the 
General  Convention  will  pursue.  The  Trustees  therefore  have 
felt  it  to  be  their  duty,  a  duty  which  they  owe  to  the  Seminary 
of  which  they  are  the  guardians,  a  duty  which  they  owe  to  their 
Brethren,  to  the  Convention,  and  to  the  Church  at  large,  to  sug 
gest  the  propriety  of  calling  a  special  meeting  of  the  General 
Convention  in  the  manner  prescribed  by  the  42d  Canon,  and  as 
soon  as  can  conveniently  be  done.  In  consequence  of  this  con 
viction  they  have  passed  the  following  resolution,  which  they 
have  directed  us  to  transmit  to  you,  with  the  present  circular. 

"  Resolved, — That  in  the  opinion  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  it 


1821.]  APPENDIX.  639 

is  expedient  that  a  special  meeting  of  the  General  Convention 
be  called  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  whether  any,  and  what 
measures  shall  be  taken  in  relation  to  the  bequest  of  the  late 
Jacob  Sherred,  Esq." 

T.  C.  BROWNELL, 

CHAIRMAN. 
HARKY  CROSWELL,  Secretary. 

***  It  being  the  opinion  of  Counsel  that  the  requisition  of  the 
several  Bishops  for  the  call  of  a  special  meeting  of  the  General 
Convention  should  be  uniform  and  should  state  the  special  ob 
ject  of  such  meeting,  and  that  they  should  be  preserved  in  the 
archives  of  the  General  Convention,  therefore 

Resolved, — That  the  following  form  of  a  requisition  be  re 
spectfully  proposed  to  each  of  said  Bishops  as  that  which  may 
be  proper  to  send  for  the  aforesaid  purpose. 

[DATE] 

To  the  Ht.  Rev.  William  White,  D.  D.t  presiding  Bishop  of  the 

Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United  States, 
RT.  REVEREND  SIR, 

In  consequence  of  a  communication  received  by  me  from  the 
Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Theological  Seminary  of  our  Church, 
agreed  to  at  a  meeting  of  that  body  held  at  New  Haven  on  the 
24th  and  25th  days  of  May  last,  I  have  deemed  it  proper  to  re 
quest  that  a  special  meeting  of  the  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  may  be  called 
agreeably  to  the  Forty-Second  Canon  of  paid  Ch  rch  ;  and  that 
such  special  meeting  be  held  at  Philadelphia,  at  as  early  a  pe 
riod  as  may  be  practicable,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  into  consid 
eration  the  last  Will  and  Testament  of  Jacob  Sherred,  Esq.,  and 
determining  whether  any,  and  what  measures  should  be  taken 
for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  the  legacy  bequeathed  by  him  for 
the  purpose  of  educating  Candidates  for  Holy  Orders  in  said 
Church. 


NO.  II. 

THE  REPORT  OF  THE  PRESIDING  BISHOP,  ON  CERTAIN  MAT 
TERS  REFERED  TO  HIM  BY  THE  LAST  GENERAL  CONVEN 
TION,  TO  TAKE  ORDER. 

The  house   of  clerical   and  lay  deputies  of  the  last  General 
Convention,  having  requested  of  the  house  of  Bishops  "  to  take 


640  APPENDIX.  [1821. 

measures  for  making  known  any  errors  or  omissions  in  the  oc 
tavo  edition  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  published  by 
Hugh  Gaine,  in  1793,  which  was  established  by  the  43d 
Canon  as  the  standard  book,  so  Jhat  they  may  be  avoided  or 
supplied  in  future  editions ;  and  that  they  be  also  respectfully 
requested  to  correct  and  supply  any  errors  or  omissions  in  the 
calendar  and  tables  prefixed  thereto,  and  to  extend  the  Table 
of  the  days  on  which  Easter  will  fall  for  two  cycles  of  the 
moon  from  the  year  of  our  Lord  1823  [erroneously  in  the 
printed  journal  1813.]" 

And  the  house  of  Bishops  having  requested  the  presiding 
Bishop,  with  such  persons  as  he  may  think  proper  to  associate 
with  him,  to  take  order  on  the  said  subject ; 

The  presiding  Bishop  respectfully  reports  to  the  house  of 
Bishops,  as  follows : 

1st.  He  has  carefully  prepared  and  appends  to  this  report  a 
table  for  finding  Easter  extended  through  two  cycles  of  the 
moon,  from  1824  to  1861  inclusive. 

2d.  In  the  3d  paragraph  of  the  first  of  the  tables  for  finding 
the  holidays,  to  "1799,"  he  has  inserted  1899,  omitting  "  and 
also  the  number  1."  Consequently  the  4th  paragraph  has 
been  omitted. 

3d.  In  the  table  of  fasts,"  he  has  changed  "  the  season  of 
lent "  to  "  the  fortv  days  of  lent."  The  corrected  error  was  not 
begun  in  Gaine's  book,  but  may  be  found  in  that  published  "by 
Hall  &  Sellers,  in  1790,  under  the  direction  of  a  committee  of 
the  convention  of  1789.  In  the  proposed  book,  published  by 
them,  it  was  agreeable  to  the  English  editions.  The  error  must 
have  been  an  oversight  of  the  committee,  and  makes  an  inconsis 
tency  of  the  table  of  fasts  with  that  of  feasts:  the  latter  compre 
hending  the  Sundays  in  lent,  agreeably  to  the  practice  of  the 
Christian  Church  in  all  ages. 

4th.  It  was  stated  to  the  reporter  by  a  member  of  the  late 
and  of  the  present  convention  ["Win.  Meredith,  Esq.]  that  in 
all  our  Prayer  Books  there  was  the  omission  of  a  note  found  in 
the  English  books,  underneath  the  months  of  March  and  April, 
in  the  calendar,  intended  to  show  the  use  of  the  golden  numbers, 
in  a  column  attached  to  the  said  months  only.  On  investigat 
ing  the  subject,  we  found  that  the  note  was  wanting  in  Prayer 
Books  edited  before  the  adoption  of  the  Gregorian  style  in  1751, 
but  was  found  in  all  the  succeeding  editions  consulted.  From 
these  circumstances  it  seems  probable,  that  in  making  out  the 
calendar  for  the  American  Church,  there  was  taken  a  book 
prior  to  the  said  date.  The  column,  with  the  golden  numbers, 


1821.]  APPENDIX.  641 

may  have  been  called  for  at  the  crisis  of  the  change  of  style ; 
but,  as  it  is  insufficient  for  the  finding  of  Easter,  from  its  not 
showing  how  the  golden  numbers  are  to  be  found  ;  and  as  this, 
with  the  whole  process  for  the  finding  of  the  said  festival,  is 
provided  for  by  a  table  appropriated  to  that  object ;  it  was 
thought  proper  to  omit  the  column  and  the  figures  included 
in  it. 

5th.  In  ascertaining  errors  in  Mr.  Hugh  Gaine's  book  of 
1793,  your  reporter  has  been  kindly  assisted  by  Mr.  Wm.  Hall, 
who  printed  the  proposed  book  in  1785  &  6.  He  has  furnished 
the  list  ot  errors  appended  to  this  report,  besides  noting  various 
places,  in  which  the  sense  may  suffer  from  the  want  of  stops, 
or  from  their  being  injudiciously  placed. 

6th.  In  addition  to  sundry  errors  in  editions  proposed  to  be 
made  according  to  H.  Gaine's  book,  some  of  the  editions  have 
framed  the  tables  of  contents,  according  to  their  respective 
judgments,  and  not  according  to  the  standard,  which  ends 
with  "  The  Psalter,  or  Psalms  of  David,"  not  including  the 
metre  Psalms.  It  must  be  evident,  that  the  comprehending  of 
any  document  under  the  same  cover  with  the  Book  of  Common 
Prayer,  does  not  constitute  it  a  part  thereof,  although  set  forth 
under  the  same  authority.  As  much  misunderstanding  and 
inconvenience  may  arise  from  the  misnomers  stated,  the  matter 
is  noticed,  with  the  hope  of  its  being  a  caution  against  the  like 
mistake  in  future. 

7th.  In  consequence  of  information  received  of  several  edi 
tions  now  proceeding  from  presses,  it  has  been  thought  proper 
to  communicate  to  the  printers  what  the  reporter  has  done, 
under  the  authority  given  to  him  to  take  order. 

He  concludes  with  submitting  to  the  house  the  propriety  of 
establishing  a  standard  book,  to  supercede  that  of  H.  Gaine,  of 
which  the  known  copies  are  very  few.  In  the  event  of  such  a 
measure,  he  proposes  to  the  house,  that  an  edition  be  taken 
from  the  stereotype  plates,  belonging  to  the  Common  Prayer 
Book  Society  of  Pennsylvania.  A  committee  to  be  appointed 
by  both  houses,  to  act  during  the  recess,  for  the  accomplishing 
of  this  object. 

WM.  WHITE,  PEES.  BP. 


642  APPENDIX.  [1821. 

A  TABLE 

Of  the  Days  on  which  Easter  will  fall  for  38  years,  being  the 
Time  of  two  Cycles  of  the  Moon. 


Year  of  our  Lord. 

Golden  Number. 

Epact 

Sunday  Letter. 

Easter  Day. 

1824 

1 

0 

DC 

April  18 

5 

2 

11 

B 

3 

6 

3 

22 

A 

March  26 

7 

4 

3 

G 

April  15 

8 

5 

14 

FE 

6 

9 

6 

25 

D 

19 

30 

7 

6 

C 

11 

1 

8 

17 

B 

3 

2 

9 

28 

AG 

22 

3 

10 

9 

F 

7 

4 

11 

20 

E 

March  30 

5 

12 

1 

D 

April  19 

6 

13 

12 

CB 

3 

7 

14 

23 

A 

March  26 

8 

15 

4 

G 

April  15 

9 

16 

15 

F 

March  31 

40 

17 

26 

ED 

April  19 

1 

18 

7 

C 

11 

2 

19 

18 

B 

March  27 

3 

1 

0 

A 

16 

4 

2 

11 

GF 

April  7 

5 

3 

22 

E 

March  23 

6 

4 

3 

D 

April  12 

7 

5 

14 

C 

4 

8 

6 

25 

BA 

23 

9 

7 

6 

G 

8 

50 

8 

17 

F 

March  31 

1 

9 

28 

E 

April  20 

2 

10 

9 

DC 

11 

3 

11 

20 

B 

March  27 

4 

12 

1 

A 

April  16 

5 

13 

12 

G 

8 

6 

14 

23 

FE 

March  23 

7 

15 

4 

D 

April  12 

8 

16 

15 

C 

4 

9 

17 

26 

B 

24 

60 

18 

7 

AG 

8 

1 

19 

18 

F 

March  31 

1821.]  APPENDIX.  643 

CORRECTIONS  OF  H.  GAINE'S  BOOK. 

Contents,  2d  column,  last  line,  for  instrustion — instruction. 
Prayers,  &c.,  Prayer  in  Time  of  Dearth  and  Famine,  after  "behold," 
for  "  We" — "we." 

Collects,  &c.,  1st  in  Advent,  for  "  ought" — "aught." 
Wednesday  before  Easter  7th  column,  5th  and  4th  line  from  bottom,  for 
"ye" — "you." 

Thursday  before  Easter,  for  "to  day" — "to-day." 
Tuesday  in  Easter  week,  for  "witensses" — "witnesses." 
4th  Sunday  of  Easter,  Gospel,  line  3,  for  "him" — "tne." 
St.  John  the  Evangelist,  Epistle,  line  21,  for  "by" — "be." 
St.  John  Baptist,  Epistle,  line  3,  before  "loved" — "have." 
Psalm  18.  10,  for  "road" — "rode." 

"      33.    8,  for  "goldly"— "godly." 

"      44.    1,  for  "  ast" — "cast." 

"      45.  17,  for  "in  stead" — "instead." 

"      47.    5,  before  "let" — "yea." 

"       74.  16,  for  "rocks" — "rock." 

"      78.  15,  for  "day  time" — "daytime." 

"      78.  71,  for  "choose" — "chose." 

"      90.    5,  for  "a  sleep" — "asleep." 

"     144.    4,  for  "nought" — "naught." 

u    147.  14,  before  "flour"— "the." 


NO.  III. 

The  presiding  Bishop  reports  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
reference  to  the  society  for  foreign  and  domestic  missions,  in 
stituted  at  the  last  General  Convention,  that  owing,  as  he  sup 
poses,  to  the  state  in  which  the  business  of  that  body  was  con 
cluded,  neither  were  the  intended  managers  constitutionally 
chosen,  nor  had  any  bishop  a  right  to  a  seat  or  a  vote  at  their 
board :  although  doubtless,  the  contrary  was  supposed  to  have 
been  provided  for  by  the  Convention  generally. 

The  intended  managers  perceived  these  defects,  and  have  not 
carried  the  design  into  effect.  They  have  reported  their  pro 
ceedings  to  the  house  of  clerical  and  lay  deputies  ;  and  the  pre 
siding  Bishop  judges  it  to  be  sufficient  to  refer  this  house  to 
their  report. 


644  APPENDIX.  [1821. 

To  the  house  of  clerical  and  lay  deputies,  of  the  General  Con 
vention,  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,,  in  the  United 
States  of  America. 

THE  MANAGERS  OP  THE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 

EESPECTFULLY  REPORT, 

That  soon  after  the  adjournment  of  the  last  General  Con 
vention,  they  proceeded  to  organize  themselves,  as  a  board  for 
the  transaction  of  business.  At  this  time  it  was  discovered 
with  regret,  that  although  the  constitution,  intended  for  the 
government  of  the  Missionary  Society,  provided,  that  the  pre 
siding  Bishop  of  the  Church  should  be  its  president,  and  the 
other  Bishops  vice  presidents,  in  the  order  of  seniority,  yet  no 
provision  had  been  made,  by  which  the  Bishops  were  author 
ized,  either  to  sit,  or  vote,  with  the  board  of  managers.  This 
circumstance  could  only  be  regarded  as  an  oversight,  unin 
tended  on  the  part  of  the  house  of  clerical  and  lay  deputies, 
and  overlooked  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  when  the  constitution 
was  before  them,  and  received  their  approbation.  The  embar 
rassment  of  the  managers  in  relation  to  this  subject,  was  much 
relieved,  when  it  was  ascertained,  that  the  presiding  Bishop, 
viewed  the  subject  in  the  same  light,  and  that  he  was  willing  to 
sit  with  the  board,  and  preside  at  its  meetings. 

Among  the  first  acts  of  the  managers,  after  they  began  to 
execute  the  highly  responsible  trust  reposed  in  them,  was  to  an 
nounce  the  formation  of  the  society,  to  those  institutions  in 
England,  belonging  to  our  own  Church,  which  are  employed  in 
different  ways  in  promoting  the  interest  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom.  Letters  were  written  to  the  secretaries  of  the  three 
following  societies.  "  The  Society  for  propagating  the  Gospel  in 
foreign  parts."  "  The  Society  for  promoting  Christian  knowl 
edge."  "  And  the  Church  Missionary  Society."  Answers 
have  been  received,  from  the  Rev.  Anthony  Hamilton,  secre 
tary  of  the  Society  for  propagating  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts, 
and  from  the  Rev.  Josiah  Pratt,  secretary  of  the  Church  Mis 
sionary  Society.  Both  of  the  Rev.  Gentlemen,  in  behalf  of  the 
societies  which  they  represent,  express  great  satisfaction  in  the 
establishment  of  a  society,  for  missionary  purposes  in  the 
American  branch  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  Accompanying  the 
letter  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hamilton,  the  six  last  reports  of  the  so 
ciety,  of  which  he  is  the  secretary,  were  received.  And  at 
different  times,  several  packages,  have  come  to  hand,  from  the 


1821.]  APPENDIX.  645 

Church  Missionary  Society,  containing  their  reports,  Mission 
ary  Registers,  and  other  publications  calculated  to  give  infor 
mation  upon  the  subject  of  Missions.  In  one  of  these  parcels 
were  contained  several  complete  sets  of  the  Reports  of  the  So 
ciety,  and  of  the  Missionary  Register,  from  the  commencement 
of  its  publication,  intended  for  the  use  of  the  Bishops  in  the 
United  States,  which  have  been  forwarded  to  them  accord 
ingly.  It  will  no  doubt  be  gratifying  to  the  Convention,  as  it 
was  to  the  managers  to  learn,  that  the  last  mentioned  society, 
as  an  evidence  of  its  good  wishes,  for  our  success,  has  voted  an 
appropriation  of  two  hundred  pounds  sterling  (supposing  the 
society  here  to  be  in  operation)which  awaits  the  order  of  those, 
who  may  be  authorized  to  receive  it.  As  these  letters  may  be 
interesting  to  the  Convention,  they  are  herewith  submitted. 

At  an  early  period,  the  managers  appointed  a  committee, 
to  devise  a  plan  by  which,  the  designs  of  the  convention,  might 
most  effectually  be  attained.  After  due  deliberation  upon  the 
subject,  it  was  thought  advisable  to  prepare  an  address,  to  the 
members  of  the  Church,  informing  them  of  the  measures,  which 
had  been  adopted ;  urging  by  suitable  considerations  the  impor 
tant  duty  of  sending  the  gospel  to  the  destitute,  and  requesting 
their  co-operation,  by  the  formation  of  auxiliary  societies  and 
associations.  Such  an  address  was  prepared,  and  printed  in 
one  or  two  periodical  publications,  when  it  was  discovered,  that 
by  reason  of  an  informality  in  the  mode  of  our  appointment, 
we  had  been  acting  without  authority.  The  informality  referred 
to,  will  be  perceived,  upon  refering  to  the  Journal  of  the  last 
Convention. 

When  this  circumstance  was  known,  the  managers  were  at  a 
loss,  to  determine  whether,  they  should  continue  to  act,  under 
an  informal  appointment,  or  suspend  all  further  proceedings — 
To  pursue  the  one  course  might  subject  them  to  censure,  to  adopt 
the  other,  seemed  like  abandoning  an  object,  in  which  they  be 
lieved,  the  members  of  the  Church  felt  much  interested.  At 
this  time  letters  were  written,  to  the  Rt.  Rev.  the  Bishops,  re 
questing  their  opinion  upon  the  subject.  Answers  were  received 
from  all  except  the  Bishop  of  New  York.  Some  of  them  were 
decidedly  in  favour  of  our  proceeding,  while  a  majority  thought 
it  in-expedient  ;  this  decided  the  matter,  and  all  thought  of 
continuing  to  act  as  a  board,  under  the  authority  of  the  Con 
vention,  was  given  up. 

Under  the  circumstances  above  described,  the  managers 
would  probably  have  stayed  all  further  proceedings,  had  not  an 


646  APPENDIX.  [1821. 

idea  been  suggested,  which  appeared  to  promise  a  happier  re 
sult — It  was  thought  that  if  the  members  of  the  board  would 
consent  to  form  themselves,  into  an  association  and  could  ob 
tain  the  sanction  of  the  Bishops,  they  might  at  least  make  some 
preparation  for  their  more  efficient  action,  at  a  future  day. 
Letters  were  accordingly  written  to  the  absent  members  of  the 
board,  all  of  whom  except  judge  Washington,  readily  consented 
to  the  proposition,  and  he  requested  that  if  the  unanimous  con 
sent  of  the  board  of  managers,  was  deemed  essential,  that  his 
might  be  considered  as  given.  Nothing  now  seemed  wanting 
but  the  approbation  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  the  Bishops,  to  the  pro- 

Eosed  plan.  They  were  written  to  with  a  view  of  obtaining  it, 
ut  in  this  the  managers  were  not  successful.  From  this  time 
the  board  have  not  met,  until  within  a  few  days,  when  they 
were  called  together,  to  prepare  this  their  report,  all  of  which 
is  respectfully  submitted  to  the  house  of  clerical  and  lay  depu 
ties,  in  Convention  assembled. 

JOHN  READ,  PRESIDENT. 
R.  S.  SMITH,  Secretary. 
Philadelphia,  October  30th  1821. 


To  THE  REV.  GEORGE  BOYD. 

Church  Missionary  House. 

London,  Sept.  21st  1820. 
DEAR  SIR, 

I  feel  much  satisfaction  in  acknowledging  your  letter  of  the 
9th  ultimo,  and  a  copy  of  the  Journal  of  the  General  Conven 
tion  of  the  American  Church. 

"Our  committee  cordially  rejoice  in  the  formation  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Society  in  the  United  States  for  Domestic 
and  foreign  Missions."  They  accept  with  pleasure  your  invita 
tion  to  carry  on  a  correspondence  and  interchange  of  publica 
tions  with  you.  Feeling  as  we  do  the  extent  and  arduousness 
of  the  work  in  which  we  are  engaged,  to  extend  the  blessings  of 
the  Gospel  to  a  world  that  lieth  in  error  and  in  sin,  we  hail 
with  gratitude  every  auxiliary  which  comes  forward  to  take 
part  in  it.  It  is,  however,  with  peculiar  feelings  of  satisfaction 
that  we  witness  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States  embodying  itself  into  a  society,  for  the  purpose  of  concen 
trating  its  strength  and  rendering  its  exertions  more  efficient 
in  this  Holy  Cause.  Though  we  wish  well  to  the  labours  of 


1821.]  APPENDIX.  647 

other  bodies  of  Christians  to  extend  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom ; 
yet,  as  Episcopalians,  we  especially  rejoice  in  the  prospect  of 
seeing  the  Churches  gathered  from  among  the  Heathen  settled 
on  those  foundations,  which,  we  are  persuaded,  are  at  once  more 
scriptural  and  better  suited  to  promote  the  best  interests  of 
mankind. 

In  testimony  of  our  disposition  to  impart  to  your  Society  all 
the  missionary  information  in  our  power,  we  are  preparing  a 
package  of  our  publications  for  your  use.  One  parcel  is  ad 
dressed  to  each  of  the  Bishops,  which  the  committee  request 
their  acceptance  of;  and  the  remainder  we  place  at  the  disposal 
of  the  Managers  of  the  Society  to  be  made  use  of  in  such  man 
ner  as  they  deem  most  subservient  to  its  interests. 

Copies  of  a  work  containing  a  summary  view  of  the  Society 
for  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts  are  also  sent ; 
as  it  supplies  most  conclusive  and  eloquent  arguments  in  behalf 
of  missions,  from  authorities  which  members  of  an  Episcopal 
Church  will  be  likely  to  respect.  It  was  compiled  by  me, 
chiefly  from  documents  in  the  library  of  our  own  Society ;  and 
we  were  glad  of  the  opportunity  of  putting  forth  a  work  which 
might  serve  the  Society  in  its  collections  throughout  the  King 
dom,  and  at  the  same  time  testify  our  respect  and  regard  to  the 
elder  body  among  us. 

We  have  received  the  Episcopal  Magazine  of  the  United 
States  from  January  to  April  inclusive,  and  shall  be  thankful 
for  the  numbers  in  continuation. 

A  single  pamphlet  forwarded  through  the  post  office,  so  done 
up  that  the  parcel  is  open  at  the  ends,  will  not  be  subjected  to 
the  full  postage.  I  mention  this  circumstance,  as  we  have  been 
subject  to  very  heavy  charges  at  the  post  office,  in  consequence 
of  our  friends  in  America  not  being  aware  of  it. 
I  remain,  Dear  Sir, 

with  much  respect, 
ever  faithfully  yours, 

JOSIAH  PRATT. 

P.  S.  I  should  have  stated  above,  that  any  number  of  the 
"Quarterly  papers  "may  be  obtained  of  Mr.  Seeley,  No  169 
Fleet  Street,  should  you  wish  for  more  than  we  have  forwarded 
to  you.  I  would  just  add,  that  when  your  Society  comes  into 
active  operation,  you  will,  probably,  find  it  advantageous  your 
selves  to  prepare  and  put  forth  some  such  paper. 


648  APPENDIX.  [1821. 

REV.  SIR, 

I  am  instructed  by  the  Society  for  the  propagation  of  the 
Gospel  in  foreign  parts  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter 
announcing  the  foundation  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Mission 
ary  Society  in  the  United  States. — The  board  are  anxious  to 
express  their  earnest  wishes  for  the  success  of  your  Society  in 
their  laudable  endeavours ;  and  to  invite  further  communications 
as  opportunities  may  present  themselves.  They  beg  you  to  ac 
cept  for  the  use  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Missionary  Society 
in  the  United  States  copies  of  their  six  last  reports,  with  an  as 
surance  of  the  satisfaction  they  have  derived  from  your  impor 
tant  communication. 

I  am  Rev.  Sir, 

Your  obedient  servant 

ANTHONY  HAMILTON, 
Secretary  of  the  Society,  P.  G.  F. 
No  42  Castle  Street,  Leicester  Square. 

November  23d  1820. 


To  THE  REV.  GEORGE  BOYD. 

Church  Missionary  House, 

London,  July  10th,  1821. 
DEAR  SIR, 

Bishop  Griswold  having  suggested  to  me  in  a  letter  under 
date  of  the  16th  November  last,  but  which  did  not  reach  me  till 
12th  ultimo,  that  The  Protestant  Episcopal  Missionary  Society 
in  the  United  States  for  foreign  and  domestic  missions,  is  desi 
rous  to  avail  itself  of  the  offer,  conveyed  in  a  letter  of  mine  to 
the  Bishop  under  date  of  July  31st,  1817,  to  afford  pecuniary  aid 
to  such  an  Institution  on  its  formation,  the  Bishop's  letter  was 
laid  before  our  committee  yesterday ;  and  they  came  to  a  unan 
imous  resolution  to  grant  £  200  sterling  to  the  Institution  for 
its  establishment. 

You  will,  therefore,  have  the  kindness  to  inform  the  Directors 
of  the  Society  that  that  sum  awaits  their  appropriation,  at  such 
period  and  in  such  manner  as  they  may  deem  expedient. 

I  have  much  pleasure  in  making  this  communication,  and  in 
assuring  you  of  the  cordial  satisfaction  felt  by  our  committee  in 
thus  co-operating  with  their  Episcopal  Brethren  in  the  United 
States,  in  promoting  the  extension  of  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom 
among  the  Heathen. 


1821.]  APPENDIX.  649 

"We  hope  you  receive  our  registers  and  other  publications 
regularly.  They  are  forwarded  monthly  to  your  address, 
through  Messrs.  Morrall  and  Watson,  Liverpool. 

We  shall  at  all  times  be  glad  to  hear  of  the  plans  and  oper 
ations  of  your  Society. 

I  remain,  Dear  Sir, 

faithfully  yours, 

JOSIAH  PRATT. 

NO.  IV. 

CONCERNING  THE  LAST  RUBRIC  IN  THE  COMMUNION  SERVICE. 

The  House  of  Bishops  being  informed  of  what  they  consider 
as  a  great  misunderstanding,  in  various  places,  of  the  rubric  at 
the  end  of  the  communion  service,  think  it  their  duty  to  declare 
their  sense  of  the  same,  and  to  communicate  it  to  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

In  the  Common  Prayer  Book  of  the  church  of  England,  the 
words  in  the  parenthesis  are — "  if  there  be  no  communion."  In 
the  review  of  1789,  it  was  put — "  if  there  be  no  sermon  or  com 
munion" — and  this  has  been  interpreted  to  mean,  that  if  there 
be  a  sermon,  what  has  been  called  the  ante-communion  service  is 
to  be  omitted — Against  this  construction  the  Bishops  object 
as  follows — 

1st.  The  construction  rests  on  inference ;  deduced  in  contrari 
ety  to  the  positive  direction — "  Then  shall  follow  the  sermon." 
Had  an  exception  been  intended,  it  would  doubtless  have  been 
expressed  positively,  as  in  other  rubrics.  Further ;  the  rubric 
in  question  prescribes,  that  "  when  there  is  a  communion,  the 
minister  shall  return  to  the  Lord's  table:"  which  presumes  him 
to  have  been  there  before,  in  the  ante-communion  service,  un 
less  in  the  permitted  alternative  of  some  other  place. 

2d.  The  argument  on  the  other  side  proves  too  much,  and 
therefore  nothing.  It  is  said  of  those  who  urge  it,  that  they 
conceive  themselves  bound  to  use  the  whole  service  on  a  com 
munion  day  :  whereas  it  should  be  dispensed  with,  on  the  same 
principle  on  which  it  is  supposed  to  be  superseded  by  the  ser 
mon.  On  the  other  hand,  if  there  being  either  a  sermon  or  the 
communion  should  be  thought  to  warrant  the  omission ;  can  it 
be,  that  the  convention  designed  to  leave  in  the  book  the  ante- 
communion  service,  with  all  the  collects,  the  gospels,  and  the 
epistles  attached  to  them,  to  be  little  more  than  a  dead  letter  ; 
never  to  be  used,  except  on  the  few  occasions,  when  the  said 


650  APPENDIX.  [1821 

service  is  unconnected  with  either  of  the  said  provisions  ?  For, 
it  is  not  required  to  be  used,  either  with  the  morning  or  with  the 
evening  prayer. 

3d.  There  is  a  rubric,  prescribing  the  place  in  the  service,  at 
which  notice  shall  be  given  of  holidays,  &c.  Can  it  be  sup 
posed,  that  a  provision  of  this  sort,  was  intended  to  be  done 
away,  not  professedly,  but  indirectly  ?  and  that  even  there 
should  be  no  provision  for  notifying  the  communion? 

4th.  It  is  understood,  that  the  morning  prayer,  and  the  ad 
ministration,  of  the  communion  were  designed  to  be  distinct 
services,  to  be  used  at  different  times  of  the  day.  Probably,  at 
the  time  of  the  reformation,  the  practice  was  generally  con 
formable  to  the  provision  ;  and  it  is  said  to  prevail  at  present 
in  some  places  in  England.  Now,  although  there  is  probably 
no  church  in  the  United  States  of  which  the  same  can  be  affirm 
ed  ;  yet,  why  raise  a  bar  against  so  reasonable  and  so  godly  a 
practice?  an  effort  for  which,  would  reduce  the  whole  to  the 
sermon ;  except,  when  the  communion  were  to  be  administered : 
and  then,  there  would  be  the  latter  part  of  the  service  only. 

5th.  The  construction  casts  a  blemisli  on  the  observance  of 
every  festival  of  our  church.  To  speak  in  particular  of  Easter 
Sunday,  Whitsunday,  and  Christmas  day :  can  it  be  supposed, 
that  the  convention  intended  to  abrogate  the  reading  of  the 
portions  of  scripture,  the  most  pertinent  of  any  in  the  Bible  ? 
or  that  the  members  of  the  body  were  so  careless,  as  not  to  per 
ceive  the  effect  of  the  word  introduced  by  them  into  the  paren 
thesis  ?  Neither  of  these  was  the  case ;  although  they  had  not  the 
sagacity  to  foresee  the  use  which  would  be  made  of  their  super- 
addition  :  a  use,  which  may  be  applied  hereafter  to  the  abandon 
ing  of  the  observance  of  those  festivals.  For  why  should  the 
church  retain  them,  after  dispensing  with  whatever  is  attached 
to  them  in  the  respective  services.  The  remark  applies  equally 
to  the  two  days  of  fasting  or  abstinence — Good  Friday  and  Ash 
Wednesday.  It  is  here  supposed,  that  on  the  former,  there  are 
the  service  and  sermons  in  all  our  churches  furnished  with  the 
ministry.  But  according  to  the  opposite  opinion,  the  sermon 
dispenses  with  the  recital  of  the  consummation  of  our  Saviour's 
sufferings,  and  not  only  on  Good  Friday,  but  on  every  day  of 
passion  week,  if  there  be  sermons.  Could  this  have  been  in 
tended  ? 

6th.  There  is  the  magnitude  of  the  change  thus  made  in  the 
liturgy,  without  the  subjecting  of  the  resulting  consequences  to 
the  consideration  of  any  General  Convention :  for  this  is  here 


1821.]  APPENDIX.  651 

affirmed,  without  the  apprehension  of  contradiction  from  any  of 
the  surviving  members.  The  most  obvious  of  the  consequences, 
and  such  as  could  not  have  escaped  the  notice  of  the  least  atten 
tive,  were,  the  dispensing  with  the  reading  of  the  Ten  Com 
mandments  ;  the  weekly  return  of  which  may  well  be  thought 
to  have  a  beneficial  effect  on  morals ;  and  the  deranging  of  a 
selection  of  passages  of  scripture,  always  supposed  to  have  been 
made  with  great  judgment,  and  suited  to  the  different  seasons 
of  the  year.  They  were  of  like  uses  in  the  church,  before  the 
prevalence  of  the  corruptions  of  the  Papacy ;  have  withstood, 
in  some  measure,  its  systematic  hostility  to  a  general  knowledge 
of  the  scriptures ;  and,  probably,  have  prevented  a  greater  enor 
mity  of  unevangelical  error,  than  what  we  now  find:  for  al 
though  the  selections  were  in  Latin,  they  were  at  least  instruct 
ive  to  the  many  who  understood  the  language,  at  a  time  when 
even  among  that  description  of  people,  the  possession  of  a  Bible 
was  rare.  To  the  present  day,  they  are  held  in  high  esteem,  not 
only  by  our  parent  church,  but  by  the  Lutheran  churches  of 
Sweden,  of  Denmark,  of  sundry  German  principalities,  and  of 
this  country.  In  some  of  the  European  States,  the  subject  of 
the  sermon  is  expected  to  be  taken  from  the  epistle,  or  from 
the  gospel  for  the  Sunday.  There  seems  no  reasonable  objection, 
in  any  future  review  of  the  Liturgy,  to  the  making  of  some  ab 
breviation,  suited  to  the  joining  of  services  designed  to  be  dis 
tinct  ;  but  there  may  be  doubted  the  expediency  of  making  so 
great  an  inroad  as  that  projected  on  the  service  now  in  question. 

7th.  The  ante-communion  service  continued  to  be  used  as  be 
fore,  by  the  clergy  who  were  present  in  the  convention,  in  which 
it  is  now  imagined  to  have  been  dispensed  with.  It  is  confi 
dently  believed  that  there  was  not  an  exception  of  an  individu 
al  ;  although,  on  the  other  side,  the  major  number  must  be  sup 
posed  to  have  been  desirous  of  the  innovation.  In  the  inter 
pretation  of  a  law,  immediate  practice  under  it  has  heen  held  to 
be  a  good  expositor  :  especially  when,  as  in  the  present  case,  a 
contrary  sense  had  not  been  heard  of  for  a  long  course  of  years. 

The  question  may  occur — why  did  the  convention  introduce 
the  words,  "  Sermon  or,"  into  the  parenthesis  ?  It  was  to  rec 
oncile  the  other  rubric  referred  to,  with  frequent  and  allowable 
practice.  The  said  rubric  says — "  then  shall  follow  the  sermon." 
Perhaps,  when  the  service  Avas  compiled  there  was  a  sermon  on 
every  saint's  day,  as  well  as  on  every  principal  festival.  In 
modern  usage,  it  has  been  otherwise :  which  made  it  convenient 
to  provide  for  the  minister's  proceeding  to  the  blessing.  The  pa- 


652  APPENDIX.  [1821 

renthesis  means,  that  although  there  be  no  sermon,  or  although 
there  be  no  communion,  the  minister  shall  act  as  directed  by 
the  rubric. 

The  bishops  therefore  deem  it  their  duty  to  express  the  de 
cided  opinion,  that  the  rubrics  of  the  communion  service  as 
well  as  other  general  considerations  enjoin  the  use  of  that  part 
which  precedes  the  sermon,  on  all  occasions  of  sermon  or  com 
munion,  as  well  as  on  those  festivals  and  fasts,  when  neither 
sermon  nor  communion  occurs. 


NO.  V. 

The  Constitution  of  the  Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary 
Society  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  in  the  United 
States  of  America. 

ART.  I. 

This  institution  shall  be  denominated  the  Domestic  and 
Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 
in  the  United  States  of  America. 

ART.  II. 

It  shall  be  composed  of  the  Bishops  of  the  Protestant  Epis 
copal  Church,  and  of  the  members  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  of  the  General  Convention  of  said  Church,  for  the 
time  being ;  and  of  such  other  persons,  as  shall  contribute,  by 
subscription,  three  dollars,  or  more,  annually  to  the  objects  of 
the  institution,  during  the  continuance  of  such  contributions ; 
and  of  such  as  shall  contribute  at  once  thirty  dollars,  which 
contribution  shall  constitute  them  members  for  life. 

Members  who  pay  fifty  dollars,  on  subscribing,  shall  be  de 
nominated  patrons  of  the  society. 

It  shall  be  the  privilege  of  the  subscribers,  to  designate,  on 
their  subscriptions,  to  which  of  the  objects,  domestic  or  foreign, 
they  desire  their  contributions  to  be  applied.  If  no  specifica 
tion  be  made,  the  board  of  directors,  may  apply  them  to  either, 
or  both,  at  their  discretion. 

ART.  III. 

The  society  shall  meet  triennially,  at  the  place,  in  which  the 
General  Convention,  shall  hold  its  session.  The  time  of  meet- 


1821.]  APPENDIX.  653 

ing  shall  be  on  the  first  day  of  the  session,  at  five  o'clock,  P.  M. 
A  sermon  shall  be  preached,  and  a  collection  made  in  aid  of 
the  funds  of  the  society,  at  such  time,  during  the  session  of  the 
Convention,  as  may  be  determined  at  the  annual  meeting ;  the 
preacher  to  be  appointed  by  the  House  of  Bishops. 

ART.  IV. 

The  presiding  Bishop  of  this  church  ahall  be. president  of  the 
society;  the  other  Bishops,  according  to  seniority,  vice  presi 
dents.  There  shall  be  two  secretaries,  and  twenty-four  directors, 
who  shall  be  chosen,  by  ballot,  at  each  meeting. 

ART.  V. 

The  directors,  together  with  the  president,  and  vice  presidents, 
and  patrons  of  the  society — who  shall,  ex  officio,  be  directors — 
shall  compose  a  body  to  be  denominated  the  Board  of  Directors 
of  the  Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  Protes 
tant  Episcopal  Church,  in  the  United  States  of  America.  They 
shall  meet  annually  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  except  in  the 
year  of  the  meeting  of  the  General  Convention,  when  they  shall 
assemble  at  the  place  of  the  meeting  thereof.  Nine  members 
of  the  board  of  directors  shall  be  necessary  to  constitute  a  quo 
rum  to  do  business. 

The  meetings  of  the  board  of  directors  shall  always  be  opened 
with  using  a  form  of  prayer  to  be  set  forth  by  the  House  of 
Bishops  for  that  purpose,  or  one  or  more  suitable  prayers  select 
ed  from  the  liturgy. 

ART.  VI. 

At  the  annual  meetings,  all  missionary  stations,  appointments 
of  missionaries,  and  appropriations  of  money,  and  all  by-laws 
necessary  for  their  own  government,  and  for  conducting  the  af 
fairs  of  the  missions,  shall  be  made ;  provided,  that  all  appoint 
ments  of  missionaries  shall  be  with  the  approbation  of  the  Bish 
ops  present.  Special  meetings  may  be  called  by  the  president, 
or  by  one  of  the  vice  presidents,  as  often  as  may  be  necessary  to 
carry  into  effect,  the  resolutions  adopted  at  the  annual  meetings 
of  the  board ;  at  which  special  meetings,  seven  members,  includ 
ing  the  president  or  one  of  the  vice  presidents,  shall  be  a  quo 
rum  to  transact  business. 

The  board  of  directors,  whether  at  their  annual  or  special 
meetings,  may  appoint  such  committees  as  may  be  necessary  or 
useful. 


654  APPENDIX.  [1821. 

ART.  VII. 

There  shall  be  annually  appointed  a  treasurer  and  two  mem 
bers  of  the  society,  who  together  shall  be  termed  trustees  of  the 
permanent  fund. 

The  treasurer  shall  receive  all  contributions  which  shall  be 
made  to  the  society,  and  enter  them  in  detail,  distinguishing  be 
tween  what  may  be  contributed  for  domestic,  and  what  for  for 
eign  purposes,  if  any  such  distinction  should  be  made  ;  and  pre 
sent  a  statement  of  his  accounts  annually,  or  oftener,  if  requir 
ed,  to  the  board  of  directors.  He  shall  not  pay  monies  unless 
on  an  order  from  the  board,  signed  by  the  president,  or  in  his 
absence,  by  the  senior  vice  president,  who  may  attend  the  meet 
ing,  when  such  order  is  given. 

Twenty  per  cent  of  all  monies,  which  shall  be  contributed,  to 
carry  into  effect  the  objects  of  the  institution,  shall  be  vested  by 
the  trustees,  in  their  own  name,  as  officers  of  the  society,  in  some 
safe  and  productive  stock,  to  constitute  a  permanent  fund.  The 
residue  of  the  contributions,  with  the  interest  arising  from  the 
permanent  fund,  shall  be  appropriated  to  the  objects,  for  which 
the  society  was  formed. 

ART.  VIII. 

The  board  of  directors,  at  their  annual  meetings,  shall  take 
such  measures  as  they  may  deem  proper,  to  establish  auxiliary 
societies  in  any  diocess,  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the 
Bishop  of  the  same ;  to  secure  patronage,  and  to  enlarge  the 
funds  of  the  institution.  The  Bishop  of  every  diocess  shall  be 
president  of  the  auxiliary  societies  organized  within  it. 

ART.  IX. 

In  any  diocess  where  there  is  a  Bishop  or  an  ecclesiastical 
body  duly  constituted  under  the  authority  of  the  convention  of 
the  same  for  missionary  purposes,  aid  may  be  given  in  money ; 
but  the  appointment  of  the  missionary  shall  rest  with  the  Bishop 
or  ecclesiastical  body  aforesaid.  He  shall  act  under  their  direc 
tion  ;  and  shall  render  to  them  a  report  of  his  proceedings, 
copies  of  which  shall  be  forwarded  to  this  society. 

ART.  X. 

The  board  of  directors  shall,  at  every  meeting  of  the  society, 
present  a  detailed  report  of  their  proceedings ;  which  if  approv 
ed  and  adopted  by  the  society,  shall,  on  the  next  day,  be  pre- 


1821."]  APPENDIX.  655 

sented  by  their  president,  to  the  General  Convention,  as  the  re 
port  of  the  society. 

ART.  XI. 

The  present  convention  shall  elect,  by  ballot,  the  twenty-four 
directors  and  two  secretaries,  provided  for,  by  the  4th  article, 
to  act  till  the  first  stated  meeting  of  the  society ;  and  the  first 
meeting  of  the  board  of  directors  shall  take  place  at  Philadel 
phia,  on  the  third  Wednesday  in  November  instant. 

ART.  XII. 

It  is  recommended  to  every  member  of  this  society,  to  pray 
to  Almighty  God,  for  his  blessing  upon  its  designs  under  the 
full  conviction,  that  unless  he  direct  us  in  all  our  doings,  with 
his  most  gracious  faver,  and  further  us,  with  his  continual  help, 
we  cannot  reasonably  hope,  either  to  procure  suitable  persons  to 
act  as  missionaries,  or  expect  that  their  endeavors  will  be  suc 
cessful. 


NO.  VI 

Oanon 

PASSED  IN  GENERAL  CONVENTION,  in  1821. 

PROVIDING   FOR  A  NEW,  MORE  COMPLETE  AND  CORRECT 
STANDARD  OF  THE  BOOK  OF  COMMON  PRAYER. 

The  edition  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  to  be  chosen  by  the  com 
mittee  appointed  by  this  Convention,  and  authenticated  by  their  certificate 
shall,  after  the  publication  thereof,  be  taken  and  received  as  the  standard 
•with  which  all  new  editions  are  thereafter  to  be  compared,  for  the  pur 
pose  of  correction,  agreeably  to  the  xliii  canon — and  so  much  of  the  said 
canon  as  establishes  another  standard  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer, 
shall  thereafter  be  and  remain  repealed. 

Done  in  General  Convention,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord,  1821. 

BY  OEDEE  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS: 

WILLIAM  WHITE, 

PBESIDINO  BISHOP. 
Attested :  WM.  AUGUSTUS  MUHLEKBEEG,  Secretary. 

BY  OEDEB  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  CLEEICAL  AND  LAY  DEPUTIES. 

WM.  H.  WILMEPv,  PBESIDENT. 
Attested:  ASHBEL  BALDWIN,  Secretary. 


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